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THE WONDER ISLAND BOYS 


THE CONQUEST OF THE SAVAGES 


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The warriors, together ivith the chief and the two hoys Jim 

and Will, rushed to meet them'' 


[See p. 62] 



The Wonder Island Boys 

THE CONQUEST OF THE 
SAVAGES 


BY 

ROGER T. FINLAY 

»» 


ILLUSTRATED 



THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY 
New York 


COPTBIGHT, 1914, BT 
THE NEW YORK BOOK COMPANY 


JUN -5 I3'i4 



©CI.A:i7(>287 


CONTENTS 


L The Compact Between the Four Allied Tribes, 

Page 11 

The camp startled by Sutoto. Confederation of the 
Tuolos, Kurabus and Iliyas. A council of all the 
chiefs. The Professor’s address. Advising unity of all 
the tribes against the hostiles. The assent of the 
chiefs. The views of Oma, Uraso and Muro. How 
the allied tribes met. Review of the work of the Pro- 
fessor and the boys. Determine to send a force to 
the Cataract. Conclude to remove all tools to the 
southwest. The warriors selected. Adopting a settled 
plan. Mustering the warriors. Sending for Chief Su- 
ros of the Berees. The muster roll. John in command 
of the forces to the Cataract. Blakely in command 
of the home forces. The march to protect the Brabos. 
A compact between the allied tribes. John and his 
party on the march. Sadness at giving up Cataract. 
At the Cataract. The flag as a charm. Uraso’s in- 
terpretation of the flag. 

II. Busy Times at the Cataract. The Alarming News, 

Page 24 

The tribute to the flag. A national talisman. Enter- 
taining the warriors. Starting the water wheel in 
motion. The sawmill at work. Making spears. Gath- 
ering and threshing barley. The roast ox and the feast. 
Making bread. The surprising novelties for the war- 
riors. Determining to make guns before dismantling. 
Building a new wagon. Uraso directing the work of 
the men. The universal tattoo. Its signiticance. Desig- 
nating name and rank. Clothing. Blakely drilling 
the army at the Brabo village. News of the approach 
of the old chief Suros. The Professor and party re- 
ceiving him with honor. The conversation with Suros. 
His hearty accord. Jim and Will. Their observations. 
The value of unity. Sutoto’s report about the confed- 
erated tribes. Information of their movement toward 
Cataract. John’s scouts at the Cataract capture two 
Kurabus. Startling intelligence. Interviewing the 
captives. Completing the new wagon. Sending out 
scouts toward the Kurabus. 

1 


CONTENTS 


III. Intercepting the March of the Confederates. The 

Treasure Page 37 

Blakely with a force to intercept the confederates. 
Sutoto delegated to inform John. Beaching the Cata- 
ract. Interesting scenes at the Cataract for Sutoto. 
The scouts report the tribes to the west. Blakely’s 
force near the confederates. Watching their move- 
ments. John’s messenger to Blakely. Advice that the 
tribes are waiting for reinforcements. The tribes on 
the march east. Blakely’s message to John. Blakely 
intercepting the tribes. His message to the enemy. 
Their surprise. To give their answer in tw'O suns. 
The message to the Professor. The Professor decides 
to capture the Kurabus’ village. On the march. Cap- 
turing the Kurabus’ reinforcements. The villages in 
his possession. The Professor’s message to John and 
Blakely. A message from Blakely. Hurrying the work 
at Cataract. Making guns and spears. Taro. The 
treasure in the cave. Decide to take it to their new 
home. Loading up the wagons. Transferring the hoard 
in the caves. A messenger informing John of the bat- 
tle. Instructs Muro to go to aid of Blakely. 

rV. The Surrender of the Kurabus Page 50 

The load of treasure. A doleful sound. The “cry of 
the lost soul.” Activity at Cataract. Bringing in the 
flag. The trip to Observation Hill. The warriors 
participate. George and Harry lower the flag. An 
impressive scene. The last sad night at the Cataract. 
A runner from John to the Professor. The confed- 
erates within eight miles of Cataract. A movement to 
capture them. Messenger from the Kurabus’ village 
arrives too soon. The flight of the confederated tribes. 
The Kurabus determine to defend their village. John 
orders a forced march to assist the Professor. The 
messenger from IMuro advises the Professor. He learns 
of the approach of the Professor. The arrival of John. 
The confederates at the Kurabus’ village. Surprise 
of the latter at the leniency of the Professor. Ad- 
vancing on the Kurabus’ village. A messenger from 
the Kurabus. Agree to surrender. The flight of the 
Tuolos and Iliyas. The Kurabus join the allies. Sub- 
mission. Tastoa’s message to the other tribes. 

V. The New Town Site. The Water Wheel and Saw- 
mill Page 62 

Return to the Brabo village. The train from Cataract 
in sight. The triumphal entrance into the village. 


CONTENTS 


3 


The festivities. Safety of the Brabos assured. The 
Professor tells the chiefs his object in forming the 
alliance. Suggests the building of a new town. To 
belong to all the tribes. To take all the chiefs to the 
new town. The boys want their herd of yaks. Sutoto 
and party go for them. Blakely’s fighting force. The 
Banyan tree. Its peculiar growth. Sap in trees. 
Capillary attraction. Hunting a town site. Uraso 
selects a place. A water-fall. An ideal spot. Re- 
ported arrival of the herd. Fencing off a field. How 
the fence was built. The warriors at work. Building 
a new water wheel. Erecting a sawmill. The war- 
riors at work bringing in logs. The sawmill at work. 


VI. Building Up the New Town Page 74 

Disquieting rumors of the confederates. Shop and 
laboratory put up. A safe place for the treasure. 
Making looms. Searching for minerals. Putting 


up a furnace and smelter. Making molds for 
copper coins. The mint. Teaching the people how 
to use money. First lessons in industry. The 
measure of value. Coins of no value. Paying 
wages. Inculcating the ideas of pay for labor. Teach- 
ing natives the principles of purchase and sale. Mak- 
ing bargains. Begin the erection of buildings. The 
Tuolos and Iliyas still bitter. Evidences of hostilities. 
Decide to conquer the Tuolos. John at the head of 
an expedition. The natives encouraged to bring in 
all kinds of vegetables. Chica. Burning oil. Why 
different plants grow differentlj’- on the same soil. 
Ralph and Tom accompany John on the expedition. 
Going to visit the tribe which captured them. 

VII. The Expedition Against the Tuolos Page 86 

Crossing the West River. Approaching the Tuolos vil- 
lage from the south. The advance scouts. First signs 
of the Tuolos. The feasting at the village. Ralph and 
Tom wander from the camp. They discover a cave. 
Striking a match. The weird interior. Leave the cave 
to notify John. Return to the cave. A hurried ex- 
ploration. The home of the Medicine men. Their ab- 
sence at the village. Meeting the Medicine men at 
the entrance. Effecting a capture. The Krishnos. A 
curious cross found by John in the cave. Its history. 
The uproar in the Village. John confronting the 
Medicine men. They tell him the Great Spirit will 
destroy him. John strikes a light on the cross with 
matches. The Medicine men in terror. Orders one 


4 


CONTENTS 


of them to go to the village and tell the Chief to sur- 
render. Surrounding the village. Muro captures a 
rival set of Medicine men. Another cave. Questioning 
the newly-arrived captives. They are defiant. 


VIII. The SuBmssioN of the Tuolos Page 100 

Threatening the Medicine men. Beating them for lying. 
Morning. Dissensions in the village. Learn they are 
surrounded. The Chief comes forward. Meeting John 
and Muro. John’s plain talk to the Chief. Demands 
his immediate surrender. Tlie Chief stunned. Says he 
will go and tell his people. The Chief returns. Sur- 
renders. The warriors march into the village. Lib- 
erating the captured Brabos. Ralph and Tom visit 
the large hut where they were confined. Blakely 
showing the Chief the maneuvers of the warriors. 
The Chief proposes to torture the Medicine men. John 
interferes. Asks that they be turned over to him. 
The Professor and the colony. The insulting message 
from the Iliyas. The messenger to John. Building 
chairs and tables. Two- and three-room cottages. 
Stimulating individual efforts. The first thief and 
the treatment. John and party visit the cave east of 
the village. 


IX. Plans fob the Benefit of the Natives Page 111 

Entering the cave. What they found. The treasure 
as John had described it. Removing it to the wagon. 
The Chief, the Krishnos and a number of the war- 
riors taken to the new town. Approaching home. The 
Chief Marmo. Meets the Professor. The welcoming 
functions. Interest in the works. Watching the loom. 
Trying to teach him new ideas. A lesson in justice. 
Told the difference between right and wrong. Blakely 
the man of business. The island as a source of wealth. 
Blakely determines to stay on the island. Agree to 
build a large vessel. Projecting a trip home. Agri- 
cultural pursuits. The states. How lands were to 
be disposed of. Value of land. Proposing an ex- 
pedition to the Iliyas. Marmo sends a message to the 
Illj^as. Making new gims for the expedition. 

X. The Peculiar Savage Beliefs and Customs. .Page 124 

The Krishnos. Chief Marmo learning. The Tuolo 
workman asks permission to bring his family to the 
new town. The boys find a name for the town. Unity. 


CONTENTS 


5 


The Hindoo christening. The expedition against the 
Iliyas. Three hundred warriors. Reflections of the 
boys. Six tribes. Heading for the Saboro village. 
Muro happy. A day and night of feasting. Muro’s 
family. The pocket mirrors. Lolo. An artisan. 
Events at Unity. Two deaths. The peculiar rites. 
The Spirits in the air. Rewards. Savage beliefs. The 
honored dead. Lessons from the Great Spirit. 


XI. Expedition to Subdue the Illyas Page 137 

The warriors’ families. The plaintain leaf. The native 
loom. Weaving. Primitive goods. A store set up. 
Kitchen utensils. Bringing in ore and supplies. Sani- 
tary arrangements. Home comforts. Native combs. 
Fish flns. An immense turtle. Tortoise shells. John 
and the war party. Illyas reported in front. Char- 
acter of country. Savage beliefs. The moon in their 
worship. Distance to the Illyas village. In sight 
of the first Illyas. Borderlines. Double line of guards. 
Illyas surprised. Capturing an Illyas warrior. Send- 
ing him back with a peace message. A strong posi- 
tion. The history of the illyas. Dififerences in the 
color of the various tribes. 


XII. The Perilous Trip of the Wagon Page 149 

At Unity. Suros and Oma announce they will not re- 
turn to their tribes. The return of the Tuolo war- 
rior and family. A cottage for him. Famished. How 
the Professor explained his act of humanity to Chief 
Marmo. The principles of justice. Marmo accom- 
panies the Professor through the town. An object les- 
son. Ralph and Jim in charge of the factory. Sending 
out hunters to gather in yaks. Laying out fields. 
^^ onderful vegetation. John and the Illyas. Flanking 
movement around the Illyas. The charge. The Illyas 
in confusion. Their retreat. The forest a barrier. 
Sighting the main village. Astonishment at its char- 
acter. An elevated plateau. A town by design. Pe- 
culiarly formed hills or mounds. Fortified. The mys- 
tery. Sending the wagons to the south. Avoiding 
the forest. No word from the team. The teams reach 
the river. Intercepted. Illyas in front. Blocked by 
precipitous banks. Forming camp. Sending mes- 
sengers to John. Muro gets the message. Hastens to 
relieve the force with the wagon. The savag# attack. 
A volley behind the Illyas. 


6 


CONTENTS 


XIII. The Remarkable Discovery at Blakely’s Moun- 
tain Home Page 163 

At Unity. The weekly outing. The great forest to the 
west. The trip of the whites to Blakely’s forest home. 
Driftwood. Centrifugal and centripetal motion. The 
forest animals. Orang-outan. The monkeys. Reach- 
ing the hill. The scaling vine. Reaching the recessed 
rocks. The two skeletons in the rocks. A gun and 
trinkets. A sextant. A letter. No identity. The 
message. Effort to decipher it. A mound for the 
bones. Forwarding copy of message to John. John’s 
examination of the Iliyas’ village. The remarkable 
character of the buildings. Muro returns with the 
wagons. The Tuolos as fighters. TSvo captured. Try- 
ing to open communications. Returns of the mes- 
sengers. Defiance. Permitting the messenger to return. 


XIV. The Surprise and Captltre of the Illyas’ Strong- 
hold Page 175 

Astonishment of the Iliyas’ messenger. The character 
of the eastern side of the town. A movement in the 
night. Surrounding the town. Muro and Uraso as war- 
riors. The architecture of the buildings. Not built 
by the natives. Different kinds of architecture. Their 
distinction. Disposing the forces. The signal for at- 
tack. John and his party rush the breastworks. Enter 
the town. The surprise and confusion of the Illyas. 
Harry observes the Illyas’ chief and attendants. Sur- 
rounds and capture them. Muro makes a charge. 
The chief signals surrender. Uraso surrounds the 
Illyas. Marched to the great square. Tlie conference 
between John and the chief. The Doric building. The 
Illyas’ chief. His imperious air. Dignity of Uraso and 
Muro. 


XV. The Rescue of Five Captives Page 187 

The chief’s question. John’s brief answer. The chief 
trying to deceive John. Questions the chief about the 
messages. The lying answers. The punishment im- 
posed on the warriors. Orders the same punishment for 
the chief. Consternation. Uraso and Muro plead for 
the chief. Whipping the most disgraceful punishment 
for a chief. Demands the white captives. Sama to 
show the way to their hiding place. The wagon 
brought out. The boys, accompanied by Lolo, and com- 
manded by Stut. Reach the village. The captives’ hut. 


CONTENTS 


7 


The rush for the door. The five captives. Three In- 
vestigator’s boys. A pitiable sight. Hungry. Harry’s 
inscription on the litter. A Saboro and a white man. 
Taking the Iliyas’ warriors along. Feeding the rescued 
ones. 

XVI. Remarkable Growth of Unity Page 199 

Awaiting word from John. Telegraph line needed. 
Wireless telegraphy. Sound and power. Vibrations. 
A universal force. B Street in Unity. Visiting the 
villagers in their homes. Incentives to beautify their 
houses. Erecting larger dwellings for the chiefs. The 
schoolhouse. A growing town. Marvels to the chiefs. 
The mysterious things the white men do. The ther- 
mometer. Teaching medicine. Cinchona. Calisaya. 
Acids. The boys reach the Iliyas’ village with the 
liberated prisoners. Making them comfortable. The 
white man a former companion of John. A health re- 
sort. The Investigator’s lifeboat No. 3. Mystery about 
the note. The commotion outside. Capturing the 
Iliyas’ reinforcements from the south. Provisions. 
Cultivation of the soil. George and Harry explore the 
buildings. Trying to solve the puzzle. Arrangements 
of the streets. 

XVII. The Mysterious Cave. Returning to Unity.. Page 211 

Cornerstones. The treasure chart. Caves near the 
town. A guess at the meaning of the buildings. The 
Medicine men. Questioning the chief. He says John 
will be destroyed if he enters the cave. John’s test 
of the truth of the chief’s statement. The trip to the 
cave. Proving that the Medicine men lied. The chief 
enjoys his first ride. The cave entrance. John goes in. 
He finds the Krishnos. Their conversation. John ap- 
pears before them. The consternation. Orders them 
to leave the cave. Shows the chief that the Medicine 
men have lied. Taking them to the village. John and 
the boys explore the cave alone. No treasure. An im- 
mense deposit of copper. Probable explanation of the 
houses of the town. An immense chamber. The start 
for Unity. Sighting the Saboro village. Muro’s family. 
Waiting to go to Unity. The town out to meet the 
returning warriors. Angel at the reception. 

XVIII. Building a Ship to Take Them Home. Peace, 

Page 221 

Oroto surprised at the appearance of Marmo. Anxious 
to see the great White Chief. The Professor welcomes 


8 


CONTENTS 


the Iliyas’ chief. His great surprise. Friendship. Has 
no further belief in the wise men. Life and death. 
Why he was brought to Unity. Peace among the tribes. 
Oroto and Marmo confer. A jollification of the whites. 
WTiat had been accomplished in two years. Building 
a ship for home. Sadness as well as joy. The engi- 
neering force of Unity.. How the different tribes lived 
together. Rich soil. New houses. New people. A 
printing press. A schoolhouse. Making paper. Many 
mysteries unsolved. One thing lacking. The flag. Get- 
ting the flagpole. The ceremony. Hoisting OLD 
GLORY. 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

“ The warriors, together with the chief and the two boys, Jim 
and Will, rushed to meet them ” Frontispiece 

PAGE 

“ Meantime John consulted Muro and Uraso, and the three 

picked out the most trustworthy scouts” 38 

“ The act was such a startling one that they threw themselves 

on the ground in terror” 85 

“ The party plunged into the forest, taking the direction which 

Tom and Ralph had gone on the former trip” 230 

Position of Wagon and Attacking Forces 18 

George’s Old Dutch Oven 25 

The Tattooed Arm. Antelope 20 

The Taro Plant and Bulb 45 

The Banyan Tree 65 

Showing Capillary Attraction 68 

Sample of Island Fence 71 

The One-cent Coin 75 

The Five-cent Coin 77 

Chica. The Gum Plant 84 

Stone Cross Found in the Cave 92 

Ancient Crosses 93 

Ready for the Happy Hunting Grounds 131 

Primitive Weaving-Frame 137 

Comb from Fin of Fish 140 

The Marmoset 165 

Proboscis Monkey 167 

The Mysterious Message 170 

Orders of Architecture 179 

The Peculiar Iliya Village 212 

Diagram of Cross-shaped Cave 219 

Paper-making Machine 231 

The Stars and Stripes 235 


9 


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THE CONQUEST 


CHAPTER I 

THE COMPACT BETWEEN THE FOUE ALLIED TKIBES 

When the morning sun was struggling to come 
up over the mountains in the east, the whole camp 
was startled by Sntoto, who, with a number of 
the Berees during the night, had acted as a picket, 
to observe the attitude of the defeated tribes. 

He made his way to the Professor, who had 
taken his old place in the wagon. ''The Tuolos, 
Kurabus and Iliyas have all united and are now 
on the big river.” 

"When did you last see them?” 

He held up his fingers to indicate the time, 
and the Professor called to’Will: "Do you know 
what time he means?” 

Will soon interpreted the sign to mean three 
in the morning. 

"If they have not been separated it is a sign 
that they intend to continue the fight,” said John. 

"I suggest,” replied the Professor, "that we call 
a council of the principal men in the tribes, and 
let them fully understand what our aim and de- 
sires are, and thus unite the four tribes in a bond 
of unity. This is a most opportune time.” 

The news of the obvious action of the tribes 
to the north was soon learned by all, and when 
11 


12 THE CONQUEST 

the Professor’s view was communicated there was 
a universal assent. 

Within an hour the chiefs assembled, and the 
Professor addressed them as follows : ‘‘My 
brothers, I am glad to be able to talk to you, and 
Uraso and Murp will tell you what I have to say. 
The Great Spirit sent us here, and we tried for 
a long time to tell you why we came, but you did 
not understand it. 

“The Great Spirit is the same to all tribes; he 
does not favor one more than the other, but some- 
times one tribe will understand better than the 
other what he wants, and when they do know 
what he says it makes them stronger and better. 

“We believe the Great Spirit wants the differ- 
ent tribes to live together in peace, and not kill 
each other, and for that purpose he has given 
each one something to do. If he does that in a 
right way he not only helps himself, but he helps 
everyone else. 

“We want to show you how to do this, but before 
we can start we must all be like one family. We 
do not ask the Berees to give up their customs 
and become Saboros, nor do we want the Brabos 
to do as the Osagas do. We do not care what 
you believe about this or that, or how you shall 
dress, or what language you shall speak. The 
only thing we should be careful to do alike is to 
so work that we shall not injure each other. 

“It will not be hard to learn this, and we will 
all be patient, and we ask you to be patient with 
us. We want to show you that the ground is 
your mother, and when you ask her for fruit she 


COMPACT BETWEEN THE TKIBES 13 

will give you plenty, and you can soon learn to 
make things which will make your wives and chil- 
dren happy and contented. 

^^You will know that anything you own will be 
yours, and none can take it from you, and if any- 
one tries to take it, everyone will stand up and 
protect you. The tribes which are now to the 
north must be made to understand this, and we 
must unite to compel them to agree to this man- 
ner of living. 

‘T know that the tribes are powerful enemies, 
and can bring a great many warriors to fight 
against us, but we do not want to kill, nor do we 
want them to kill us. Your weapons are not any 
better than the ones they have, and we want to 
make some that will enable us to overcome them, 
not for the purpose of killing them, but only to 
protect ourselves and our homes and children. 

^Tf that is what you want and you agree with 
me that it is the right thing to do, we will help 
you. To do that you must not fight each other. 
I have heard that you do not believe in sacrific- 
ing captives, as the Tuolos and the Iliyas and the 
Kurabus do, and I am glad of it. 

“I am told that you all know Suros, the great 
father of the Berees, and that he is wise. He 
is my friend, and he must be present at our coun- 
cils, but we cannot go to him now, because we must 
protect our friends, the Brabos, against the war- 
ring tribes. 

^‘But we must also be prepared to meet those 
enemies, and where we live, we have the work- 
shop by which we can make all the wonderful things 


14 THE CONQUEST 

needed for our protection. We must go to tlie 
Brabos^ village, to be on guard, while others must 
go to our village and bring back those articles, 
and we will make the things at your own homes, 
so we can compel those tribes to submit.’’ 

These words affected all the warriors, and they 
gathered around the chiefs and expressed their 
willingness to do all that the Professor had sug- 
gested. 

One after the other, the chiefs assented, and 
the Brabos were especially pleased. Their chief, 
Oma, arose and said : “We have been fighting our 
friends, and not our enemies, but we did not know 
any better. We thought everyone was an enemy. 
The Great White Chief has told us a new way 
to live, and we will do whatever he says.” 

Ilraso, chief of the Osagas, held up his hand, 
and turned to the people: “I was w^ounded by 
the White Chief, and he took me to his village and 
treated me like a friend. He cured me of my 
wounds, and I became his friend. I left him and 
tried to come back and tell my people what a 
wonderful father he was, but the Iliyas captured 
me, and when I escaped, and returned, found my 
people had gone out to fight him and his people.. 
This made me sorry. I cannot tell you of all the 
things I saw at his village, and now let the White 
Chief say what I shall do and my whole tribe will 
help him. Muro will tell you what he has learned, 
because he, too, knows him.” 

“I do not know how to tell you about this won- 
derful man,” said Muro. “I have seen him refuse 
to kill his enemies, when he could easily do it. He 


COMPACT BETWEEN THE TRIBES 15 


healed the Kurabus, and returned him to his 
friends, and that is something new for us to think 
about. His enemies are our enemies, and his 
friends are our friends.” 

This remarkable scene, which took place on the 
battle-field, could not be properly understood 
without some explanation of the preceding affairs 
in the history of Wonder Island. 

About a year and a half previous to this, the 
Professor referred to, and two boys, George May- 
field and Harry Crandall, who were companions on 
the schoolship Investigator, were wrecked and 
cast ashore on the island. It was fortunate that 
they landed on a portion of the island remote from 
the inhabited part, and for several months had 
no idea that any human beings lived there. 

They had absolutely nothing but their clothing ; 
not even a knife or other tool, but despite this, 
set to work to make all the appliances used in 
civilized life. The preceding volumes showed how 
this was done, and what the successive steps were 
to obtain food and clothing, and to make tools and 
machinery. 

They built a home, and put up a water wheel, 
a workshop and laboratory; captured a species 
of cattle, called the yak, and used the milk for 
food, and trained the oxen to do the work of 
transportation; they found ramie fiber and flax, 
built a loom and wove goods from which clothing 
was made ; they found various metals, in the form 
of ore and extracted them ; and finally made guns, 
electric batteries, and did other things, as fast 
as they were able to carry on the work. 


16 THE CONQUEST 

In the meantime several exploring trips were 
nndertaken, and they learned of the existence of 
savage tribes, and what was more startling still, 
ascertained that other boats, belonging to the ill- 
fated Investigator, had been cast ashore, and later 
on came in contact with several tribes with whom 
they had a number of fights, and by chance dis- 
covered a tribe, the Tuolos, who held two of the 
boys in captivity. 

These they rescued, namely, Thomas Chambers 
and Ealph Wharton. Eeturning from one of these 
expeditions they found a man at their home, who 
had entirely lost his memory. This was John L. 
Varney, a highly educated man, who had seen serv- 
ice in many lands, and later on was restored to 
reason. 

Prior to the present enterprise, which was re- 
lated in the opening pages, a chief, Uraso, of the 
Osagas, was wounded and captured by them, and 
taken to their Cataract home, as they called it, 
and when healed, he had left them, for the pur- 
pose of returning to his own tribe, so that he 
might bring them to the Cataract as friends ; but 
he was captured and detained. 

During this interim, the last expedition was or- 
ganized, and after some mishaps, they proceeded 
into the part of the country where the savages 
lived, and on the way rescued the chief of the 
Saboros, and also a former companion of John. 

Two weeks before our story begins, the Pro- 
fessor was captured by a band of Berees, and 
taken to their village, where he was instrumental 
in healing the chiePs favorite daughter, and in 


COMPACT BETWEEN THE TEIBES 17 


gratitude, placed his warriors at the Professor’s 
disposal to rescue his friends, who were about to 
be attacked by the hostile tribes. 

The Professor saw and rescued two more of 
the shipwrecked boys, who were held captive by 
the Berees, and together they started to relieve 
the occupants of the wagon. The various tribes 
had been at war with each other, and when they 
learned that the wagon with the whites was en- 
tering their country, all sought to effect the cap- 
ture ; but the enmity between certain tribes caused 
several of them to unite and the three most bit- 
ter and vindictive, namely, the Tuolos, Kurabus 
and the Iliyas, were opposed to tlie Osagas, the 
Saboros and the Berees. 

It was fortunate that all these forces met at the 
place where the wagon was located, and in the 
battle which followed, the whites and their allies 
won. The situation was, however, that the victor^^ 
might soon be a fruitless one, because the three 
tribes could muster a larger force than the four 
tribes now joined, under the Professor, and might 
renew the attack at any time. 

‘^Let us now see what the situation is,” said the 
Professor, to the chiefs, have made a map of 
the island, showing where the various tribes are 
located, and where the villages are situated, so 
we may all have a like understanding.” 

‘T would suggest,” said John, ‘^that a part of 
the forc^ be sent to the Cataract and bring all the 
machinery and stock we have at that place, to this 
part of the island, where it can be set up and 


18 


THE CONQUEST 

operated. In that way we can the more readily 
teach the people how to do the work.” 

‘‘That is absolutely necessary, as it is too far otf 
where the plant is now located, to be of service 
to ns.” 

“If yon will allow me to say something it 
might help ns,” remarked Mnro. “Let the Pro- 


TuoIo6 


X ITriendl u Tribt6 . 
Q HoiytiU Trtb§^ . 





O^aaa^ 




V Bp.ra.eii. 


Tobition of the t/Jaaort a»xl 


fessor select a certain number of warriors from 
each tribe, to go to yonr village and bring the 
things here, and others will remain, and watch 
our enemieSi” 

“That is a good idea,” observed Blakely, “but 
before doing that I think we ought to muster our 
forces, so that we may know what we have to 



COMPACT BETWEEN THE TRIBES 19 


depend on, and the chiefs can tell us who are the 
best fitted for the various tasks.” 

“Your view is the correct one,” answered the 
Professor, “and Muro, you, Uraso and Ralsea, in- 
form all of them what is required. I shall expect 
you, Blakely, to take charge of the mustering of 
the forces.” 

The suggestion was understood and agreed to 
by all, and the various tribes were arranged in 
columns. 

The Professor addressed them as follows : “In 
our country, w^e have a plan for everything we 
do, and everything is done in order. We try to 
follow the plan in which the Great Spirit orders 
everything done. We want every man to do some- 
thing and be responsible for one part of the work.” 

“While the people are gone to the lYhite Chiefs 
village, others might go to the Berees’ village and 
bring the Great Chief Suros, as he is wise, and 
we should like to have him here,” added Uraso. 

“Your suggestion,” said the Professor, “is a 
wise one, and it will show how earnest you are in 
making this bond a lasting one among you. I 
thank you for calling attention to the matter, and 
it shall be acted on at once.” 

The muster roll, as prepared by Blakely, showed 
the following results: 

The Berees: Sub-chief Ralsea and eighty-five 
warriors. 

The Osagas : Chief Uraso, two sub-chiefs and 
one hundred and ten warriors. 

The Saboros : Chief Muro, three sub-chiefs and 
one hundred and fifteen warriors. 


20 THE CONQUEST 


The Brabos: Chief Oma, two sub-chiefs and 
one hundred and five warriors. 

The whites were enumerated as follows : 

The Professor. 

John L. Varney. 

Samuel Blakely. 

^George Mayfield, 

Harry Crandall, 

Thomas Chambers, 

Ealph Wharton, 

James Eedfield, 

^William Eudel. 


The boys: 


The combined force thus numbered four hun- 
dred and twenty-four, not counting Angel. It 
should be said that Angel was an orang-outan, 
captured while a baby, and he had been educated 
by George to do many wonderful things. It is 
well known that these animals are great imitators, 
but this one really learned many useful things. 
One of them was to climb the tallest trees and 
warn George of the approach of enemies, and 
this was such a wonderful thing, that Muro ex- 
plained it to his people and they really admired 
the animal, and who was, in consequence, a great 
pet. 

When the council met the Professor said: “I 
will detail one hundred and fifty men to accom- 
pany John to our village to bring the things from 
that place, and those remaining will go to the 
Brabos’ village to watch our enemies and to pro- 
tect the home of our friends. Ealsea should take 
the litter and twenty men and go after the Great 


COMPACT BETWEEN THE TRIBES 21 


Chief Suros, and bring him here, so that we may 
consult with him.’’ 

‘‘We have thirty guns,” said John, “and at least 
half should be left with you while we are away.” 

“It might also be well,” remarked Blakely, “to 
have the different chiefs select the most compe- 
tent men in the four tribes to whom instructions 
might be given in the use of the guns, and I will 
drill them and show how to handle them to the 
best advantage.” • 

The four chiefs selected the men for the expe- 
dition from the respective tribes, and the four 
boys who had been together for so long, begged 
that they might be of the party also, and the 
Professor could not deny them this privilege. 

Early in the morning the entire force started 
on the march for the Brabos’ village, and before 
night arrived at the main one, where the Profes- 
sor and his party had the first close sight of the 
village and the inhabitants. 

Runners were sent ahead to inform the people 
of the expected arrivals. This was the first time 
in the history of the island that a foreign tribe had 
ever visited them, except in a hostile manner, and 
the curiosity of the women and children was in- 
tense. 

Oma, the chief, had graciously ordered the best 
hut for the Professor, but he declined it with many 
thanks, and presented the chief’s wife with one of 
the mirrors, which delighted them. Some of the 
warriors were designated to procure game, and 
others to bring in wood for the fires, and the 


22 THE CONQUEST 

most skilled were selected to scout to the north- 
west to determine the movements of the enemy. 

In the morning, John and his party, with the 
wagon, started for the Cataract home. Uraso 
and Muro were designated to accompany them, 
and you may be sure that to the boys this trip 
had in it every enjoyment that could be brought 
to them. 

‘^What a ditference there is in things, now,” 
mused Harry, as he drove the yaks along. ‘T 
hope they will have no trouble with those treach- 
erous tribes until we get back.” 

“It makes me sad to think that we have to 
give up the Cataract,” said George. “The past 
year has been a happy one to all of us, even 
though we have had serious times. And what 
shall we do with the flag ?” 

They had made a beautiful flag, which floated 
from a tall staff on Observation Hill. It would 
have been a grief to permit it to remain. 

John overheard the conversation. “Yes; we 
shall certainly take it with us, and teach the 
natives here to respect it.” And the boys ap- 
plauded the sentiment. 

In two days more the party sighted the Cata- 
ract, and saw “Old Glory” floating from the mast. 
When they saw it again, they took off their hats 
and gave three cheers. This so astonished the 
natives that they could not understand it, and 
Uraso told his people that the flag was worshipped 
by the white people. 

“Did you hear what Uraso told them?” asked 
John. 


COMPACT BETWEEN THE TEIBES 23 
‘‘No; what was 

“He said that white people did not carry indi- 
vidual charms to ward off troubles, but that they 
had the flag for that purpose, and the one flag 
was the charm of all the people ; and he also told 
them it was made a certain way for that purpose.’^ 


CHAPTER II 

BUSY TIMES AT THE CATARACT. THE ALARMING NEWS 

The flag incident, and Uraso’s interpretation of 
it, amused the boys immensely. 

“Do you know why Uraso thought so?’^ asked 
John. 

“No ; I can’t understand why he ever had such 
an idea,” replied Tom. 

“You forget it has been our custom, ever since 
I can remember, to go to Observation Hill, each 
day, to watch the sea, in the hope that a vessel 
might be sighted. Uraso thought that was in- 
tended as a tribute to the flag.” 

“After all,” said Ralph, on reflecting, “they are 
not so much out of the way, and the flag is really 
our talisman, isn’t it?” 

“Yes; because it is a real protection, and not 
a fancied one. It is a symbol, behind which lies 
all the power of a material kind, which is able to 
help us everywhere, and among all people. The 
charm which the savage wears, is a symbol to him. 
and that typifies protection from some unknown 
power. To us that is a reality, and we know 
where the power is.” 

The dear old Cataract home. How the boys 
roamed over every part of it, and went down where 
the cattle were still ranging around. The place 
was a study for the warriors. 

“Now, boys, for the first day entertain your visi- 
24 


THE ALARMING NEWS 


25 


tors, show them everything, and amuse them in 
every way possible ; and after to-morrow we must 
commence work in earnest,’^ was John^s injunction 
to the boys. 

What could be more natural than to start the 
water wheel in motion? The warriors stood on 
the bank, watched them push it in place, and then 
the sawmill was started. The process of turning 
out lumber with the saw was marvelous. Every 
part of the shop was filled, as the boys set the 
grindstone, the lathe, and the gristmill into 
motion. 

When a log was finally secured to be cut into 
shafts for spears, and they saw the wood-turning 
lathe make the shaft round and true, their enthu- 
siasm knew no bounds. 

^^Tell them, Muro, that is what we want them to 
do,” said John,” and they opened their eyes at 
the possibilities. 

There was still quite an amount of barley which 
had not been ground, and the willing warriors 
helped the boys bring a lot to the mill and the 
production of the flour before their eyes was such 
an amazing thing that they could not even give 
vent to their expressions. 

Early in the day one of the bullocks had been 
killed by John’s order, and a roasting pit dug 
out, and this was now being prepared for the prin- 
cipal meal of the day, and many of them were 
interested in this new way of roasting an entire 
carcass. 

A quantity of vegetables had also been gathered 
by the parties detailed for the purpose, and George 


26 


THE CONQUEST 

was the busiest of the lot, as he personally 
attended to the cooking of the various dishes. He 
had most willing helpers, each one trying to lend 
a hand, so that he did little more than direct. 

But he was determined to have bread, and it did 
not take long to improvise an old Dutch oven 
with the firebrick, and in this a fire was built, so 



(^or^e'6 OldJfutck Oi/en . 


that the bricks were heated up intensely, and the 
fire then withdrawn, and a cover put over the 
chimney. The heated brick, therefore, did the 
baking. Loaf after loaf was put in, and while 
the dough had not risen as it should have done, 
owing to lack of time, still the bread produced 
was something so unlike anything the natives had 
ever seen, that the making of it in their presence 
was a joy, to say nothing of the eating of it when 
the meal was served. 

It was not only a picnic; it was a feast. None 
there, excepting Uraso and Stut, had ever tasted 
such things before. They knew what honey was, 
but sugar was a novelty, and this was supplied 


THE ALAEMING NEWS 


27 


without stint. George had no opportunity to make 
any delicacies in the form of cakes, but he made 
a barley pudding in which was a bountiful supply 
of sago. 

After the meal, John called the boys together 
and said: ‘‘Before dismantling the place here it 
has occurred to me that there are some things 
which we ought to make, because it will take some 
time to set up the parts, even after we get them 
in the new locality. I believe we still have quite 
a quantity of the cast-steel bars, from which we 
intended making gun barrels.” 

“In looking over the stock to-day,” said Harry, 
“I find we have sufficient to make at least fifty 
barrels, and I have prepared the lathe to do just 
what you have suggested.” 

“Good boy,” responded John. “You and Tom 
keep at that, and don’t mind about anything else. 
If we can once get the barrels bored out, and the 
fittings made, we can put them together without 
having the shop in running order.” 

“In talking with Harry yesterday,” said Tom, 
“we made up the scheme of putting a small bench 
in the wagon, with the vise, so that we can put 
together some of the guns on our way.” 

“All that is in the right direction. And now, 
another thing. The wagon we have is not at all 
adequate for what we have to take with us, but 
we have plenty of people to carry things, and they 
will be glad to do it, but some things are very in- 
convenient to carry, so that it will be of material 
assistance if we build another wagon.” 


28 THE CONQUEST 

The boys looked at John, merrily laughing at 
the suggestion. 

‘^Just the thing,” said Ealph, “and it is easily 
done. We still have the old wheels that were 
used before we built the last set.” 

“Quite true ; I had entirely forgotten about that. 
Uraso will help, and will be just the fellow to 
direct his men. Now let us start at this with 
vigor. We must return as early as possible. The 
hostiles may attack the Professor at any time, and 
the weapons are necessary articles.” 

As they were about to separate, Harry re- 
marked: “We have a quantity of the iron which 
we made, and instead of carrying it along in the 
wagon, it occurred to me that we ought to forge 
out some spears and holes.” 

“I had counted on doing that myself, but many 
thanks for the suggestion,” answered John. 

There was one thing noticeable in all the war- 
riors, and that was the universal tattoo. This 
was something practiced by all. Eeferring to the 
custom, Ealph asked: “What is the cause of the 
tattooing habit!” 

J ohn looked at him with a smile, as he answered : 
“People who wear few clothes want something 
with which to decorate themselves. The idea al- 
ways was and always will be, to improve on nature. 
That is one of the reasons. The other is, that it 
was an original way of distinguishing one individ- 
ual from another. You will notice among these 
people, that the chiefs have a di:^erent tattoo from 
the others in the tribe.” 

“Do you mean that the name of each man 


THE ALAEMING NEWS 29 

was tattooed so lie would be known in that 
way!” 

“Yes; and also to designate his rank. The 
names of great warriors and wise men of the tribe* 
are generally descriptive. The North American 
Indian adopted that course, and it was a very 
sensible thing to do. You have heard of Sitting- 



Bull, Eain in the Face (that is, a pock-marked 
individual). Antelope, and others of like charac- 
ter, could be drawn, and thus convey the name 
without difficulty. Uraso and Muro mean some 
particular things or objects which can be depicted, 
and thus one tribe can communicate with the other, 
even though they do not understand each other’s 
language.” 

“Then clothing is also another way of showing 
rank or title?” 


30 


THE CONQUEST 

“In countries where people are compelled to 
wear covering as a matter of comfort, the cloth- 
ing was adopted as a means of expressing the 
person’s position in life.” 

After John and his party left the Brabos’ vil- 
lage, the Professor called Blakely into consulta- 
tion, and advised him to organize the remaining 
warriors into some cohesive form, and provide a 
definite and orderly plan of carrying out the scout- 
ing and picketing tactics necessary to keep them 
advised of the movements of the hostiles. 

Blakely had already acquired a fairly good 
knowledge of the rudiments of the native tongue, 
so that he was able to get along well in giving his 
orders and disposing of the warriors. He was 
ably seconded by Ralsea and Sutoto; and espe- 
cially, the latter, became one of the most impor- 
tant factors in the organization of the tribes in 
making a strong and intelligent fighting force. 

Two days after John left, it was announced that 
the old Chief Suros was on his way from the 
southern part of the island, and the Professor 
headed a party of thirty picked men, accompanied 
by Sutoto, to welcome him. The warriors were 
taken from the four tribes. 

They met the litter, bearing the Chief, fully five 
miles from the village, and Suros was visibly af- 
fected at the honor shown him. The Professor 
extended every act of courtesy, and when they 
arrived at the village, the Professor was quick 
to give him the full details of all the happenings 
since their last interview. 

“We have talked over the plans to make you 


THE ALAEMING NEWS 


31 


and all of your people happy and strong. I have 
sent a number of the warriors to my village, and 
they will bring all our things with them, so that 
we may put them up in your country, and teach 
your people how to build and to make useful arti- 
cles, and beautiful ornaments.” 

have heard the wonderful things which you 
have done, and what you have promised, and we 
will try and follow your words,” he answered. 

“I have told the people that you must be here, 
as we value your wisdom. We would go to you, 
but we still have powerful enemies to the north, 
and they are waiting to attack us. Until we are 
safe from them we cannot go to you; but when 
my people return we will be better prepared to 
resist.” 

The chief was visibly atfected at this consider- 
ation for him, and he thanked the Professor for 
sending the messengers. 

The boys, Jim and Will, were interested ob- 
servers in all that was taking place, and the Pro- 
fessor had them about him at all times, and to 
them he communicated his orders. Their ready 
understanding of the native tongue was a great 
help to the Professor. 

It was for this reason that the Professor was 
glad the two boys were content to remain with 
him. Speaking about the savages, to the Pro- 
fessor, Jim remarked: ''There is always one 
thing which seems singular about these fellows. 
They are awfully quick at learning. Now, what I 
can’t understand is, that, quick as they are, they 


32 THE CONQUEST 

do not seem to advance very much, but stay in 
the same rut right along.” 

The Professor smiled at the observation, as he 
replied: ^^Sir John Lubbock, a noted English 
naturalist, sums up his estimate of the savage 
mind in the following statement: ‘Savages unite 
the character of childhood with the passions and 
strength of men.’ Their utter simplicity is their 
weakness. When that is aroused, if properly 
done, they become men.” 

“But what is the great difficulty in the way of 
their advance f ’ 

“The greatest writers seem to agree that the 
primary want of the savage is a rigid, definite 
and concise law. The idea of order does not ap- 
peal to him, except to a limited extent. Like chil- 
dren, they do not go beyond the immediate thing. 
The reasoning faculties are not impaired, but are 
undeveloped.” 

But Jim’s observation was true. Blakely early 
discovered this in treating with the natives, and 
it did not take long to make them understand 
that by working together for the common defense 
they could be made far more effective than by per- 
mitting each to do as his own impulse dictated. 

Thus, by constant association with the head men 
in the different tribes, he early learned who were 
the best runners, and the most skillful scouts, and 
who were particularly reliable for the different 
branches of the service. 

Sutoto, as stated, was the most valuable factor, 
and the Professor grew to love him. One day he 
came in great haste, and said : “I have news for 


THE ALAEMING NEWS 33 

you. The tribes are directly north of us, and ap- 
pear to be moving to the east.’^ 

‘^Do you know how large a force they have V’ 

“Fully three hundred.’^ 

“Have you any theory why they have not at- 
tacked us before!” 

“I think they are sending for more warriors.” 

“How many more can they depend on from their 
tribes !” 

“Not more than one hundred and fifty or two 
hundred.” 

“Do you think it is possible, Blakely, that they 
have learned of the force which we have sent to 
the Cataract!” 

“This movement to the east seems to indicate 
it.” 

“In order to satisfy yourself it would be wise 
for you to ascertain their actions at once.” 

“I have selected a hundred picked men, and 
shall take the field this afternoon. I have suspi- 
cions that they are delaying on account of rein- 
forcements, or waiting for reports from the run- 
ners which they have, no doubt, sent to the Cata- 
ract.” 

“I was rather stupid in that matter,” exclaimed 
the Professor. “I had overlooked the fact that 
the Kurabus were the ones who attacked us at the 
Cataract, and as they know its locality it is but 
natural they should make an advance in that 
quarter.” 

Blakely and his men were on the way within 
a half hour after this conversation. This was 
now the fifth day after the departure of John. 


34 


THE CONQUEST 

The Professor, and the chiefs, Oma and Suros, 
were in daily consultation, and together were de- 
veloping a plan by which the different tribal inter- 
ests could be welded together, and to establish a 
form of government which would he agreeable to 
all. 

On the morning of the sixth day, after John’s 
party left the Brabos’ village, three of the hunters 
who were of the party delegated to bring in game, 
and one of whom had been instructed in the use 
of the gun, captured two Kurabus within a mile 
of the Cataract. 

These were brought to John at once, and there 
was high glee at the success of the hunters. 
Harry was the first to see the captives and he 
rushed in to John with this information: 

^^The hunters have captured two Kurabus, and 
who do you suppose is one of them? He is the 
fellow we wounded and brought here with us. 
Don’t you remember the one we carried out at the 
time I put an inscription on his litter?” 

John smiled, as he recalled the litter. His asso- 
ciation with the different ones made him fairly well 
acquainted with the language by this time; but 
Uraso and Muro were present. As they were 
brought in, John looked at them and his brow dark- 
ened, as he addressed them sternly. 

‘^Why are you here?” 

They cringed before his piercing look. 

^‘Answer me! Do you want us to kill all of 
your people? Did you tell your chief when we 
let you go, that we did not want war, but peace ?” 

Neither of them answered, but shrank back. 


THE ALAEMING NEWS 


35 


John assumed a terrible anger, as he continued: 
“We healed you, and tried to show our friend- 
ship, but you tried to kill us. Is that what you 
people believe inf” 

Tama, who was the warrior alluded to by Harry, 
soon recovered his speech, and after glancing 
around at the chiefs, said: “The chiefs would 
not believe what you said.” 

“What are you here for nowf” 

“I was sent here to see what you were doing.” 

“How many were sentf” 

“No one but Eeto and myself.” 

“Lock them up,” said John, “and keep a good 
guard over them. So that is their game, is itf 
So much the more important for us to get the 
weapons ready.” 

The new wagon was now ready for the top, 
and this was completed in short work. John 
started on the bolos immediately, and also forged 
out a number of spears. The boys were set to 
work preparing the stocks for the barrels, and 
these were cut out in the rough at the sawmill, 
and several more knives prepared. The most 
skillful of the warriors were then instructed to 
dress them up and get them ready for the barrels. 

The work was prosecuted not only during the 
day, but at night, as well. It was fortunate that 
during the time the yaks were lost, some months 
before, they had trained a pair to drive, and these 
were now again yoked up to give them experi- 
mental training for the coming journey. 

Meantime John consulted Muro and Uraso, and 
the three picked out the most trustworthy scouts. 


36 


THE CONQUEST 

Giving them explicit instructions to proceed west- 
ward, and discover, if possible, whether their 
enemies were making any movement toward the 
Cataract, and if, on the other hand, the movement 
was toward the Professor and the Brabos’ village, 
to send one runner to the village and the other 
back to the Cataract. 

In less than ten days’ time Harry had turned 
out thirty-two barrels, and John had given a great 
deal of attention to the preparation of the ammu- 
nition. 



Meantime John consulted Muro and Uraso, and the three 
picked out the most trustworthy scouts** 


[See p. 35] 



CHAPTEE III 


INTERCEPTING THE MARCH OF THE CONFEDERATES. 

THE TREASURE 

Blakely started north with the picked warri- 
ors, and before evening came in sight of them, 
headed for the east. It was evident that they 
were about to go to the Cataract. 

Sutoto begged to be permitted to go there and 
inform them of the danger of attack, and Blakely 
consented, and without waiting for the morning, 
was on his way. He traveled most of the night, 
reaching the place in the afternoon, and was re- 
ceived by John and the others with the most 
etfusive welcome. 

^‘What are you here for?^’ asked John hur- 
riedly. 

“The tribes are coming this way.” 

“I have just learned from one of our runners 
that they went far to the north of you, and as- 
sumed that the intention was to attack us.” 

“The Professor should be warned at once,” was 
Sutoto’s response. 

“I have instructed that to be done,” answered 
John. 

The scenes around the Cataract were intensely 
interesting to him. He wandered around with 
the boys, and asked questions on every conceiv- 
able subject. Blakely had given him one of the 
guns, and he was taken to the workshop and told 
37 


38 THE CONQUEST 

how they were made. These things so fascinated 
him that, hungry as he was, he could hardly be in- 
duced to take time for his meals. 

The boys admired him immensely, and together 
they acted like boys. The water wheel ; the saw- 
mill; the two stones which served as the grist- 
mill; the grindstones; the lathes; and the little 
foundry were entrancing. 

When the boys took him to the blacksmith shop^ 
and he saw the forge, and the numerous spear 
heads which John had turned out, as well as the 
bolos, his eyes showed the intense delight the sight 
afforded him. 

The next morning one of the runners appeared 
and stated that the tribes were still waiting, and 
also imparted the further information that Blakely 
and his party were at a safe distance, and un- 
known to the hostiles. 

It was obvious now that they were awaiting the 
arrival of the two scouts who had been captured 
before advancing. Several scouts and runners 
were again sent forward, with instructions to re- 
turn with information the moment an advance 
was made. 

When Blakely reached the vicinity of their con- 
federated enemies, he thought it wise to keep in the 
background, and was at a loss to account for the 
delay during the entire day, but before evening 
one of the Berees, who had been sent by John, ar- 
.rived in camp. 

have just come from the white man’s vil- 
lage, and they know that the tribes are moving in 
that direction.” 


MARCH OF THE CONFEDERATES 39 

“How did they discover itf^ 

“We captured two spies and have them as cap- 
tives.’’ 

This information suggested the cause of the de- 
lay. He immediately called a runner, and indited 
the following letter : “I am keeping on the watch, 
and am not afraid to attack the whole of them, if 
need be. If the guns you are making are not 
completed, do not worry about it, as I shall keep 
them interested here for several days longer. I 
will not appear unless I find they have taken up 
the march in your directian. Blakely.” 

The following day the scouts informed Blakely 
that the allies had broken camp and were about 
to move to the east. Calling the warriors together, 
he addressed them as follows; “My friends; we 
are about to meet your enemies, not for the 
purpose of fighting them, but to prevent them 
from attacking our friends at the white man’s 
home. Our friends there are preparing the fire 
guns for us, before they come to us, and we must 
now stand together to prevent them from going 
there until we are ready to meet them.” 

The warriors all crowded around, and showed 
by their attitude that they could be depended 
upon. 

“We have with us eleven fire guns, and I will 
now tell you how we must fight them, if it is 
necessary. I will stand in the center of the front 
line, with the guns, and on each side of us will 
be the ones I shall select. All those in front will 
have bows and arrows, but you will not need them, 
unless they come up too close. We must now 


40 THE CONQUEST 

march to the right, as fast as we can, and get be- 
tween them and our friends.” 

The column started out on its mission, and made 
its way with the utmost speed to the east, and be- 
fore noon turned to the north, being thus placed 
directly in the path of the oncoming forces. The 
allies moved along deliberately, entirely unaware 
of the existence of any force. 

Before four o’clock the first signs of the ad- 
vance were observed. Blakely had selected a 
strong position on a slight elevation, on the east 
side of one of the little streams which flowed into 
the Cataract Eiver, that commanded an open front. 
His entire force was placed between two natural 
objects, the right resting behind a rocky pro- 
jection and the left to the rear of a heavy cha- 
parral of wood. 

Entirely unsuspecting, the allies marched along 
the stream, and crossed not a hundred yards be- 
low. When they were within hailing distance, John 
and Ealsea suddenly appeared in front of their 
concealed column, and the latter, at the instiga- 
tion of Blakely, addressed them as follows : 

^^The white men do not want war, but peace. They 
have come only to rescue their own people. You 
must give them up, or there can be no peace. The 
white chief tells me that if you injure or kill the 
white men you now have he will hold you respon- 
sible, because he is powerful, and is now ready to 
destroy you and your wives and children, but he 
does not want to do that. We are here to prevent 
you from going to the white man’s house.” 

The consternation on the faces of the savages, at 


MARCH OF THE CONFEDERATES 41 

the appearance of two, was easily discernible. 
They listened in silence while Ralsea spoke, and 
then indicated that they would hold a council and 
give their answer. 

It was evident that the allies were taken by sur- 
prise, and it must have been obvious that they had 
no idea of the force which was in their front. 
Blakely had wisely stationed pickets to the right 
and the left, in order to observe their movements 
after the first surprise was over. 

The conference lasted until night fell, and thus 
the first object was gained ; delay. In the morn- 
ing one of the chiefs appeared, and Blakely and 
Ralsea again went to the front. 

will give you our answer,’^ he said. “The 
white man attacked us, and we fought him back. 
He has killed our warriors, and we will not treat 
with him at this time.” 

Ralsea replied : “You have done the same that 
we have done toward the ‘white man ; we were al- 
ways the first to attack them. They tried to be 
friendly, but we would not listen to them.” 

“We will let you know in two suns what our an- 
swer is.” And he withdrew. 

“That means,” remarked Ralsea, “that they are 
waiting for reinforcenlents.” 

“So much the better. We will be reinforced 
much better than they by the time their reinforce- 
ments come to hand.” 

“We must send a runner to the Great White 
Chief, and tell him to stop the Kurabus from com- 
ing to their assistance,” said Ralsea. 

“That is a wise suggestion,” answered Blakely ; 


42 


THE CONQUEST 

and without delay one was selected and made his 
way to the Brabos^ village. 

When the Professor received Blakely’s note he 
nailed in the Brabo chief, Oma, and said: ‘^The 
forces we sent out are preventing the allies from 
going to our village, and have sent a runner here 
to inform us that the Kurabus are about to send 
more warriors to aid our enemies. Select one hun- 
dred warriors and let us go to the Kurabus’ vil- 
lage and capture the warriors who are there, 
and also put the villages in our power. This may 
make them understand that they have no homes 
to go to unless they come to us.” 

This information delighted Oma, and he hur- 
riedly gathered the warriors, and the Professor 
concluded to accompany them, as he did not want 
the warriors to commit any excesses against the 
villages and inhabitants of their former ene- 
mies, or exact any reprisals for the past indignities 
that some of them had suffered from the Kurabus. 

A day’s march brought them close to the main 
village, and scouts were sent to the front to ascer- 
tain whether the warriors still remaining in the 
village had gone forward. Before the scouts could 
return fully fifty warriors emerged from the vil- 
lage, and were taking up the march to join the 
allies. 

The Professor instructed the warriors under his 
command to divide into three parties, one to re- 
main with him, and the others to go to the right 
and to the left, so that the Kurabus would thus 
be entrapped. 

The party marched forward unsuspectingly, di- 


MAECH OF THE CONFEDEExiTES 43 

rectly toward the position occupied by the Pro- 
fessor, and he instructed Oma to show himself and 
inform them that they were surrounded and that 
resistance would be useless. 

Some, more venturesome than others, started to 
retreat, but the unexpected appearance of the Pro- 
fessor’s warriors drove them back, and without 
firing a shot or loosing an arrow they submitted. 
When the Professor appeared they were the more 
surprised. The whole were marched back to the 
village, and, although the women tried to escape, 
all were soon rounded up and brought back. 

The captured Kurabus warriors were taken to 
the Brabos’ village, and the women informed that 
they would not be injured, as the white man did not 
believe in making war. 

The Professor at once sent a runner to Blakely 
and also to John. Two days afterwards the run- 
ner appeared at the Cataract with the following 
message from the Professor: 

“We captured the Kurabus’ village to-day, and 
all the warriors left there, as they were about to 
leave to join the forces now before Blakely. We 
have taken all of them to the Brabos’ village, where 
they will be held. Make the utmost speed with the 
weapons. In the meantime, I have sent a force to 
the north to intercept any reinforcments that the 
Tuolos may forward.” 

The message from Blakely was as follows: “We 
arrested the movement of the allies yesterday, and 
asked why they were determined to attack us. 
They refused to give an answer, and they are, prob- 
ably, awaiting reinforcements. My forces are be- 


44 


THE CONQUEST 

tween them and the Cataract, and they will give 
their answer in two days.’’ 

All this news was imparted to the people, and 
the knowledge was received with enthusiasm. It 
gave the warriors the first glimpse of the value 
of cooperation, and the benefits of a directing 
hand in their atfairs. 

At the Cataract matters were progressing fa- 
vorably. Eeports from Blakely and the Profes- 
sor assured them that they would have no diffi- 
culty, in a few days, in getting at least thirty of 
the guns ready. Stut proved himself to be the 
most apt pupil, and nothing interested him as much 
as the forge and anvil, and John, noticing this, 
set him to work on the small anvil to forge out 
arrow heads. 

The arrows used by the natives were uniformly 
of stone, but the metal ones were perfect, and 
so arranged that, with the ramie fiber, could be 
readily attached to the shaft. The most deft 
workers in the making of the native arrows were 
selected, and together they made up a large quan- 
tity of arrows, and Stut seemed to be indefati- 
gable in turning out the heads for the workers. 

During this period the larder was not forgot- 
ten. The hunters brought in every day an im- 
mense quantity of taro, which seemed to be their 
favorite vegetable. 

This is a stemless plant, which has heart-shaped 
leaves, about a foot long, and the leaves and stalks 
are prepared by them in the same way that we use 
spinach and asparagus. 

But the tuber, or root, of this vegetable is the 


MAECH OF THE CONFEDEEATES 45 


most valuable part. It is larger than the common 
beet, and sometimes grows to a foot or more in 
length. This was beaten into a pulp by the natives, 
and made into a bread or pudding. 



HM "Tai'o IPlant and 


like the taro,” said George. ‘Tt can be used 
in so many ways, and I want to try it in the differ- 
ent forms as soon as we have an opportunity.” 

'Tn the Sandwich Islands, and in many other 
places it is the vegetable from which the well- 
known Poi is made,” said John. 


46 THE CONQUEST 

you know how it is madef’ asked George. 

“It is beaten up, just as you see them do it 
here, and then set in the sun to ferment for about 
three or four days. It is afterwards boiled with 
fowl, and makes a very pleasant dish, most ap- 
petizing and nourishing. The fermented Poi wdll 
last for weeks. It is the same as the well-known 
kalo of the Pacific Island, the yu-tao of China, the 
sato imo of Japan, and the oto of Central Amer- 
ica. A fine dish is made of it by boiling and then 
covering the leaves with a dressing of cocoanut 
oil.” 

Harry and the other boys had been in consulta- 
tion for several days concerning the cave, and a 
day or two before they were ready to start had a 
talk with John about the treasure there. John 
listened attentively, and when they had finished, 
said : 

“You are quite right in wanting to take care of 
the valuables there. You are entitled to them.” 

“But they are yours, as much as ours, and we 
shall not touch them unless it is with the under- 
standing that you shall share with us,” responded 
George. 

“I could not consider it for a moment.” 

“You cannot help yourself,” said the boys in 
chorus. “We have arranged all that matter, and 
you have nothing to say about it.” 

“But,” protested John. “I do not deserve it.” 

“Well, do we?” asked Harrj^ 

“But you and the Professor discovered it.” 

“Before you or Ealph and Tom came we ar- 
ranged the division, so that the Professor has one- 


MAECH OF THE CONFEDERATES 47 


third of it, but we own two-thirds, and that we 
propose to divide equally among all of us,’’ added 
Harry. 

^‘Really,” said Ralph, ^^Tom and I are in the 
same position as John, and we feel it is not right 
to take a share, but the boys insist on it.” 

“Well, if you consider that a settlement, I must 
say that I am going to make good more than my 
share and the shares of Ralph and Tom.” 

“We don’t want you to make it good,” insisted 
George. 

“But you can’t help yourself in that. The cave 
in the Tuolos’ country has something in it that 
will make you wonder as much as the treasure you 
have here, and it will be fully as interesting to get 
at and recover as anything you have experienced 
here.” 

“When do you think we ought to start for the 
west!” asked Harry. 

“Day after to-morrow will see everything ready. 
We shall then have all the ammunition sufficient 
to last us until we can reestablish the plant, and as 
the new wagon is ready, it should not take us 
more than a day, with all the help we have, to load 
and apportion the different loads among the war- 
riors.” 

“Then why can’t we take to-morrow for the ex- 
pedition to the cave!” 

“That will suit admirably,” he replied. 

On the following morning the boys had the yaks 
yoked up, and taking with them a number of the 
copper vessels, and a quantity of the ramie cloth, 
drove over to the side of the hill opposite the Cata- 


48 THE CONQUEST 

ract house, so as to reach the land entrance of the 
caverns. 

‘Tt is not desirable to have any here know of 
our visit nor our purpose. It would not make any 
material ditference, as the treasure there is of no 
value to them; but our motives will be misunder- 
stood,” remarked John. 

Under the circumstances John and the four boys 
were the only ones in the party. 

^‘We are going to have some pretty tough work 
this morning. That gold weighs something.” 

“Wasn’t it a good thing you suggested the mak- 
ing the wagon f ’ 

J ohn smiled without saying anything. 

The boys eyed him sharply, and finally Harry 
said : “That is what you suggested the new wagon 
for, was it not!” 

J ohn nodded an assent. 

“Did the Professor say anything to you about 
bringing it along!” 

“He did say it might be taken if you thought 
so.” 

“Didn’t he suggest that we should do so !” 

“No ; he said the matter was left entirely to your 
judgment, and that I should not say anything 
about it, unless you proposed that course.” 

“Well, I am thinking we shajl have a pretty good 
load for one team with what we get out of the 
place,” said George. 

“It will make a good load, but we can add to it 
the lightest parts of the stock we have at the 
Cataract.” 

Before reaching the mouth of the cavern, a 


MARCH OF THE CONFEDERATES 49 

messenger hurried over from the Cataract with 
the information that two runners had arrived 
from the Professor and from Blakely, and they 
drove back as quickly as possible, and reached 
there to learn that another had just arrived from 
Blakely. 

The two runners first to arrive conveyed the in- 
formation stated in the previous chapter, but 
the last carried the additional news that there had 
been a fight between Blakely and the tribes, and 
that he was slowly moving back to the Cataract, 
but there was no occasion for alarm. 

The latter part of the note read as follows : ^‘Do 
not be alarmed and continue your work, and if the 
matter should be at all serious I will advise you 
by runner in ample time, and shall in any event 
send another in the next four hours.” 

John called in Muro and said: 

^^The forces with Blakely are having a fight with 
the tribes. I want you to take fifty men, and also 
twenty-five guns, and assist Blakely and his war- 
riors, and keep me informed of the progress of 
events. Tell him that by day after to-morrow we 
shall be on our way. In the meantime you should 
draw them this way, as we do not want them to go 
back. For that purpose keep up the show of re- 
treating, and hold them until day after to-mor- 
row.” 

Within an hour the column was ready and moved 
toward the scene with celerity, equipped with the 
new guns, and an ample supply of ammunition, to- 
gether with the new arrows which had been made. 


CHAPTEE IV 


THE SUEEENDEK OF THE KUEABUS 

It was late that afternoon before John and the 
boys again drove over to the hill, and lost no time 
in entering the cave. The first care was to bring 
to the steps at the entrance all the vessels in the 
first recess. 

Some of them were so heavy that it was neces- 
sary for four to carry each load. They then pro- 
ceeded to the inner recess, and here a search was 
made for every trace of the treasures there, the 
time required thus making it almost dark before 
they were able to carry out all the different lots. 

These were all stored in the bottom of the wagon. 
It was dark as they started for the Cataract. As 
they were leaving they heard the night cry of a bird 
which had often been noticed before, and Ralph 
shuddered, as he said: 

^Tt makes me tremble whenever I hear that 
doleful sound. It was above our head all of the 
night before the Tuolos captured us, and since that 
time it always sounded like an omen to me.’^ 

John turned to him, as he replied: ^‘That is 
the voice of the bird called by the Spanish, Alma 
Perdida.’^ 

‘^Well it isn’t a pleasant sound, to say the least,” 
added George. 

‘Tt is very significant at this time, however,” 
remarked John. 


50 


SUEEENDER OF THE KUEABUS 51 


The boys all turned to him, as he continued: 
^Tt is the ‘Cry of the Lost Soul’ ; that is what the 
name signifies.” 

And the boys thought of the terrible tragedy in 
the cave they had just left. The silence on the way 
home was significant. 

The next morning marked the greatest activity 
in and about the buildings. The wagons were first 
loaded with the things contained in the shop, the 
laboratory and the home. Numerous packages 
were made up in form for the warriors to handle 
conveniently. Nothing was permitted to remain, 
as it was felt that the things they had made were 
too valuable to leave behind. It was past noon be- 
fore the last articles were secured in bundles. 

“You should explain to them, LTraso,” said John, 
“that we shall have to give them pretty heavy 
loads for the first part of the journey, as the dif- 
ferent things can be distributed to the others when 
we reach them.” 

“It will not be necessary to do this,” he answered ; 
“they are only too glad to carry the heaviest 
loads.” And he refused to apologize to the warri- 
ors. This is referred to for the purpose of show- 
ing the spirit in which all of them worked to bring 
the things to their own country. 

After the loads were all provided for, and the 
different ones instructed as to the parts which 
should be taken by each, John said: 

“There is one thing which must now take our 
attention, and that is the bringing in of the flag.” 

The boys had forgotten this. “You may tell the 
warriors,” said John, addressing Uraso, “that we 


52 


THE CONQUEST 

intend to go to the hill and bring*in the flag, which 
must be taken with us.” 

As Uraso interpreted this to the people it had 
a remarkable significance to them. Uraso begged 
permission to take all of them on the expedition, 
and this was readily assented to. 

The warriors all armed, as though going forth 
to battle, ascended the hill, with the boys in the 
lead. Arriving there John formed the column in 
a circle around the staff. Angel was present, and 
he shambled toward the pole and mounted it. He 
remembered the little wheel at the top, which had 
afforded them such an amusing incident when it 
was erected. 

This time he came down without much solicita- 
tion on the part of George. 

“As George and Harry were the ones to hoist 
the flag, I shall delegate them to lower it,” said 
John. 

The boys went forward, and at the quiet sugges- 
tion of John took otf their hats. At this signal 
John took off his, and Uraso followed suit, and 
the hint was sufficient for the warriors, who stood 
with uncovered heads while the boys reverently 
lowered it. 

The wonder and amazement depicted on the 
faces of those who witnessed it was a spectacle. 
What an impressive thing it was to them; it was 
the mystery, which to the savage mind is always 
an important factor, and John knew it. 

The flag was folded with the greatest care, the 
natives watching each move with intense interest. 


SURRENDER OF THE KURABUS 53 

and was then wrapped in cloth, as though it was 
the most valuable treasure in the world. 

^‘We want them to feel that it is something they 
must love and protect. It is safe to say, that after 
this exhibition, everyone of the warriors would 
have fought to the death to preserve that emblem 
of power, like the Israelites of old, who regarded 
the Ark of the Covenant as their fortress and 
strength.’’ 

The last night at the Cataract was a sad one 
for the boys. For a year and a half it had been 
their home. They had built every part of it. 
Each portion had some delicious memory con- 
nected with it, and all must now be left to the 
ravishes of time. Only the water wheel would be 
left. 

It hardly seems possible that the accumulations 
at the Cataract would make over one hundred 
packages, aside from the contents of the wagon. 
When the entire stock of material was arranged 
the next morning, it was an interesting sight. 

The two wagons were driven out from the 
yard, Harry and Tom in charge of one, and George 
and Ralph of the other team. Twenty-five light 
loads had been made for the advance warriors, 
so that in case of scouting work, one could take 
the loads of two, and thus leave at least a dozen 
free for that duty when required. 

A quantity of lumber had been cut over six 
months before, and this was well dried, and would 
be very valuable to them in beginning operations, 
and the loads on the wagons were so great that 
but little of it could be taken in that way. Uraso 


54 


THE CONQUEST 

saw the utility of the material and insisted that 
it should all be taken. 

Besides the packages thus arranged the most ex- 
pert of the warriors carried the thirty-two guns, 
and they had been instructed in their use. Each 
also carried a bow and set of arrows, and some of 
them were provided with spears. 

During the preceding day no message had come 
from Blakely, but he knew that the party would 
leave the Cataract on this day, and they felt no 
apprehension on his account. 

One of the runners from John reached the Pro- 
fessor on the day the train left the Cataract. 
While the latter tried to prevent the knowledge 
of his occupation of the Kurabus village from 
reaching the ears of the warriors, the scouts sent 
out by the Professor intercepted and tried to cap- 
ture the messengers which were sent to inform the 
allies, but failed in their elforts. 

When John and his party left, Blakely had 
drawn the allies to a point within eight miles of 
the Cataract, and with the reinforcements, headed 
by Muro, he made a stand. During the night, after 
a consultation with Muro, the latter, with fifty of 
his warriors, made a wide detour to the north, 
and swung around to the west, thus taking a posi- 
tion behind the allies, and this was effected with- 
out their knowledge, as they believed. 

The object of this movement was to protect the 
Professor, as the force from the Cataract, joined 
to that of Blakely’s, would be ample to drive them 
forward, and it was desirable to effect a capture 


SURRENDER OF THE KURABUS 55 

of the allies, and thus at one operation place them 
in their power. 

Unfortunately, the messengers from the Kura- 
bus’ village reached the allies before Muro started 
on his trip. The effect on the allies was startling, 
and the Kurabus were determined to protect their 
homes. The latter believed that the object was to 
destroy the village and carry off the women and 
children, and it was but natural that they should 
go to their assistance. 

As a result the allies during the night quietly 
stole to the south, which was in the direction of the 
Iliyas’ territory, intending to march thence west, 
and thus attack the Professor from the south. 

Their departure was not discovered until morn- 
ing had been well advanced, and Muro’s runner 
did not reach Blakely until the train from the 
Cataract came in sight. 

This was most discouraging news, as it meant 
danger to those left with the Professor. 

‘^There is but one alternative now,” said John. 
^‘We must make a forced march to the relief of 
the Professor. Uraso has the matter of control- 
ling the force well in hand, and Blakely, you and 
I will take all the men excepting the one hun- 
dred in charge of the material, and go forward 
rapidly.” 

The first news the Professor had of the new situ- 
ation was gleaned from the messenger which 
Muro had dispatched the moment the escape of 
the allies was discovered. 

^^Has the Professor been notified?” asked Blake- 
ly. 


56 THE CONQUEST 

‘T sent two messengers early this morning,” was 
Muro’s response. 

‘‘That was a wise thing,” remarked John. “You 
are to be commended for the step. We must 
make a forced march at once, and you must lead 
the advance with your best men.” 

Muro was much gratified at this position of 
trust, and called up the warriors selected and 
spoke a few words to them. Without waiting to 
make any other preparations than to provide a 
day’s provisions, his party sallied forth, and 
headed straight for the southwest. 

The following day, the scouts sent out by the 
Professor to the southeast, discovered the allies 
rapidly moving toward the direction of the Kura- 
bus’ village, but he knew that he had not a suffi- 
cient force to meet them, and he also deemed it 
wise to permit them to reach their village, so 
that they might be able to learn for themselves 
that, while he had their homes in his power, he 
had not despoiled them. 

This was surprising news to the allies. Such 
a course meant, either that the Professor and the 
tribes with him, were afraid of them, or, that 
Blakely’s message to them was in reality true. 

Muro’s column reached' the Professor the fol- 
lowing day, and before evening John and the main 
body came up. The allies were still at the Kura- 
bus’ village, and without waiting for the wagon 
and the remaining part of the’ force to come up, 
all started on the march for t^e south. 

The scouts reported commotion in the village, 
but its cause could not be determined. Undoubt- 


SUREENDER OF THE KURABUS 57 


edly they knew of the presence of the force from 
the north. Camp was made for the night, and 
when morning came it was evident that the Knra- 
bns had been deserted by their allies, the Tnolos 
and the Iliyas. 

Early in the morning the advance was. begun, 
and before ten o’clock a messenger from the Knra- 
bns was taken, and he was brought before the 
Professor. 

“Why have you been fighting us?” asked the 
Professor. 

“My people thought you were trying to kill 
us.” 

“Why do you come to see us now?” 

“Because my chief has been deserted by the Ili- 
yas and the Tuolos.” 

“Does he wish to surrender ?” 

“Yes; if the White Chief will not punish him 
and his people.” 

“Have any of your warriors gone with the two 
tribes ?” 

“No.” 

“You may tell your chief that we do not want 
war, but peace and friendship, and that we will 
not injure him or his people and that if we desired 
bloodshed we would have killed the warriors we 
took three days ago, and also would have de- 
stroyed your villages and taken your women and 
children captive.” 

The messenger was conducted to the front, and 
within two hours he returned with the message 
that the terms were accepted. 

“Then tell your chief that all his weapons must 


58 


THE CONQUEST 

be brought to this place within two hours, and he 
must come here with them, and surrender to us 
in person.” 

Within the stipulated time, the Kurabus, with 
their chief, appeared in their front, and Muro, 
with his warriors, went out to receive them. It 
must be understood that Muro’s tribe, the Sabo- 
ros, lived in the territory adjoining the Kurabus 
to the southeast, and that for years there had 
been bitter enmity between the two, but the Pro- 
fessor did not atfect to know this. 

When the chief, Tastoa, entered the camp, he 
glanced around at the warriors, but did not ex- 
hibit apparent alarm. He marched direct to the 
Professor, with arms folded, and showed a digni- 
fied attitude, notwithstanding his humiliation. 
His mien plainly showed that he surrendered to 
the White Chief, and not to his late allies or 
enemies. 

In explanation of this, it should be said, that in 
a previous expedition against the Professor the 
Kurabus and the Saboros had been allied, and 
on the way, while they were surrounding the party 
of whites, had a disagreement which resulted in 
a separation and enmity. 

^T have come to surrender to the White Chief. 
The Tuolo and the Iliyas would not agree with 
me that you meant no harm, and that you would 
do as you said, and have left me.” 

‘H^’hen you have surrendered only because your 
allies left you?” 

^^No; but because we believed you did not want 
revenge.” 


SUREENDEE OF THE KUEABUS 59 


‘‘Wtat made you think so?” 

“When we saw that you did not destroy our 
villages, and did not take our women and chil- 
dren, when you could have done so, we believed 
you. We believe the Great White Chief, but we 
do not believe the different tribes.” 

“Then I cannot accept your surrender. You 
may take all your weapons and return to your 
village, and if you choose to do so, join your late 
allies. We will not make a movement against 
you until you have done so. You must believe 
Suros and Uraso, and Oma and Muro, as well as 
myself.” 

He cast a curious glance about him, as the 
Professor spoke. This was a new species of war- 
fare. What! allow him to return and continue 
the war, after he was in their power? The sav- 
age mind could not comprehend its meaning. 

“Why does the Wliite Chief offer me such 
terms? I am in his power.” 

“Because the white man does not believe in 
taking advantage of an enemy who has entrusted 
himself in his hands. As long as he is here he 
will not permit it, and the chiefs who are with 
me will not ask me to do it.” 

“I do not understand this. Does Suros say so ?” 

“The White Chief says the truth. He brings 
us a message from the Great Spirit. That mes- 
sage is different from the ones we learned. He 
has told me why our message is wrong, and my 
people will never again attack another people.” 

This declaration bewildered Tastoa. He had 
heard the words of the wise Suros. But Oma 


60 


THE CONQUEST 

arose and said: “I have been your enemy and 
you have been ours. The White Chief has been 
good to us, and I could not understand why. He 
has told us new things, and how we may live in 
happiness, and we believe him. When we took 
your warriors and captured your villages three 
days ago, he ordered that no one should be hurt, 
and he has given the warriors the best of food, 
and treated them as he treated his own warriors. 
We will follow his ways.” 

Muro’s eyes glistened as he arose to speak. “I 
and my people love the Great White Chief. I 
have come from their village, and all they have 
in the village is now coming to all of our people, 
and we are to learn the new way of living. From 
the time the White Chief rescued me from you, 
he has said to us, ‘Do not kill ; do not kill ; but you 
have a right to defend yourselves.^ They have 
made the weapons which talk with fire, and there 
are so many of them that they could quickly kill 
all of your people, if he would permit it. Now 
we are going to live like the White Chief tells 
us.” 

“Then, if the White Chief tells me I must be- 
lieve the Chiefs I will do so.” 

“There is another thing which you must do. 
The Iliyas have some of the white people in cap- 
tivity. You must send a messenger and say that 
if they injure the captives I will visit them and 
destroy them and their villages, and that they 
must at once return to us, and if they do not, we 
will go there and take them by force.” 

“It shall be done.” 


SUREENDER OF THE KURABUS 61 


“Mnro, you may restore the weapons to the 
Kurabus.” 

While the foregoing proceedings caused the ut- 
most wonder in all of its phases, the restoration 
of the arms was one which so completely aston- 
ished them that the Chief could hardly speak. 
He finally approached the Professor, and grasp- 
ing him by the hand, said : 

have never heard of such things before.” 

“You must have your weapons, because your 
people must have food. Go to your villages now, 
and take with you the warriors we took three days 
ago. We have given them back their weapons, 
as you see.” 

Ralsea, Oma and Suros then pressed forward, 
and held out the hands of friendship to him. He 
then turned to the Professor and said: “I do 
not see Uraso.” 

“No ; he is with the people who are coming from 
our village, but he will be the first one to go to 
you and tell you what the others have said.” 

The first act of Tastoa was to select the fleetest 
runner, to attempt overtaking the Iliyas, in or- 
der to deliver the message which the Professor 
had instructed him to communicate. 


CHAPTER V 


THE NEW TOWN SITE. THE WATER WHEEL AND THE 
SAWMILL 

The Professor and his party immediately left 
for the Brabos’ village, and before noon of the 
next day, Uraso, with the wagons and package 
train, came in sight. The warriors, together with 
the chiefs, and the two boys, Jim and Will, rushed 
to meet tiiem, leaving the Professor and Chief 
Suros almost deserted. They smiled at the eager- 
ness of all. They were just like hoys. 

When the procession from the village came up 
they surrounded ' wagon and Uraso’s warriors, 
and took the pacKajes from the carriers, bearing 
them in triumph to the village, and passed before 
the Professor and Suros. The boys began the 
dancing, and the warriors took up the suggestion, 
and improved on it. The hilarity knew no 
bounds. 

Uraso was the first to tell the warriors who were 
with him of the surrender of the Kurabus. This 
acted like a stimulant to the assembly. 

Later in the day, when peace and order had 
been restored, the Professor addressed them as 
follows: ‘^Suros and I have enjoyed the dance 
and the joys you have had as much as you who 
have taken part in it. We are both so happy to 
know that you have become brothers. When we 
leave this village the Brabos will know that they 
62 


THE NEW TOWN SITE 


63 


are safe from all harm, and that their enemy is 
our enemy, and that if anyone in either of the 
tribes is injured it is the duty of all the tribes 
to come to his aid. 

^‘You must also know that everyone has a right 
to his own property. If I should take anything 
from one of you I ought to be punished. Every- 
one should be made to know this. If a Saboro 
takes anything from an Osaga without his con- 
sent, the Saboros should be the first to punish 
him, and if they do not then the other tribes 
should punish him. 

^‘We are bringing all the tools from our village, 
so that we can teach you how to make many won- 
derful things. We must find a suitable place to 
put up the machinery. Each tribe will send some 
of their people there to learn’'’ ' id then the same 
things will be put up in your^bwn lands. To- 
morrow we will go south to establish this place.’’ 

There was one thing which was a source of 
grief to the hoys, and that was the herd of yaks, 
which had been left behind. John spoke to Uraso 
about it, and Sutoto, who always considered the 
boys first, suggested that he and Muro would take 
two dozen of the warriors and bring the herd 
back. 

The boys would have enjoyed this outing with 
him, but the necessity of utilizing their services 
in the erection of the workshop and installing 
the machinery, was too urgent to permit it. The 
boys made it a condition, however, that Sutoto 
should be with them in the active work, as soon 
as he returned. 


64 


THE CONQUEST 

The Brabos regretted the leave-taking, but 
were delighted to learn from the Professor that 
he expected them to contribute a number of their 
men to accompany the expedition. 

They passed through the Kurabus’ village the 
next day, and the Professor called the Chief to 
him. ^‘We want some of your men to accompany 
us, because we want to teach them the same as 
the other tribes.” 

This announcement was a most gratifying one, 
and he answered: ^^The AVhite Chief has made 
us give him our hearts. My brother and my son 
will go with you.” 

Could anything have been more expressive of 
the intention of the Kurabus Chief? The lad was 
about the same age as the boys, and they led 
him out to the wagon, and showed him the won- 
derful things, and then began the etforts to find 
words to express their meaning, and enable them 
to understand each other. 

It was an amusing thing to see the struggles 
of Blakely, who was whipping the warriors into 
a fighting force. Whenever Blakely was around 
the warriors would give him the military salute, 
as though they had been trained up to it all their 
lives. 

‘T have often wondered where the military salute 
of raising the hand up to the eyebrows comes 
from,” said Ealph. 

'Tts origin dates from the commencement of 
the English army. During the tournaments of 
the Middle Ages, after the ‘Queen of Beauty’ was 
enthroned, the knights, who were to take part 


THE NEW TOWN SITE 


65 


in the sports of the day, marched past the dais 
upon which she sat, and, as they passed, shielded 
their eyes from the rays of her beanty. Thus 
the habit continued, only in a modified form, to 
this day.” 

Uraso had charge of the advance, and when 
they halted that day it was under the spreading 



shade of a tree that was a marvel to the hoys, 
although Blakely said there were plenty of them 
in the southern part of the island. 

This was a tree, with a large central trunk, the 
branches of which spread out in all directions, to 
distances which were fully fifty feet on each side, 
and at irregular intervals were straight stems 
which shot down straight to the earth, the lower 


66 


THE CONQUEST 

ends of which took root and thus served as sup- 
ports for the long branches. 

The boys went around, examining it from all 
sides. ^^What is it!’^ asked the boys. 

^Tt is the banyan tree,^’ answered John. ‘^This 
is not the only kind which exhibits this peculiar- 
ity. What is called the screw pine also sends 
down shoots in the same way.” 

“Well, does each of these vertical stems be- 
come a tree of itself!” 

“In the case of the mangrove these aerials, as 
they are called, carry up the sap, and form leaves 
at their upper ends, long after the main trunk 
dies.” 

“Do you mean that these drooping branches 
carry up the sap in the opposite direction, after 
they take root?” 

“Yes; but that is not so remarkable, when it 
is understood that the buds of all trees are, in 
a measure, roots, and perform the same func- 
tions as roots. The plum tree, and many others, 
will form roots out of the buds, if the latter are 
buried in the earth.” 

“I have heard about the orchids, as I believe 
they are called. Do they act in the same way?” 

“Not altogether; there are certain plants which 
live on other plants and get sustenance from them, 
just as some insects attach themselves to animals 
and live on them.” 

“There is one thing I could never understand,” 
remarked Tom, “and that is, why the sap of the 
trees goes upwardly.” 

“I shall try and answer that question by ask- 


THE NEW TOWN SITE 67 

ing another. If you put the end of a piece of 
blotting paper in water, what causes the water to 
travel along to the other endf’ 

“That is just as much a mystery,” he replied. 

“But as you know that to be so, because you 
can see the process, it will enable me to explain 
the principle of the movement of the sap. A 
wick in a lamp becomes saturated and the oil 
travels upwardly as long as the upper end is 
burning; but as soon as the light is put out the 
oil ceases to creep toward the burned end.” 

“But in the case of a tree there is nothing to 
do that same thing.” 

“That is what the sun does. It shines on the 
leaf, and absorbs the sap, or portions of it, and 
the sap tries to move upwardly to again moisten 
the dried pores of the wood.” 

“I always thought the sap moved upwardly, be- 
cause the tree was alive.” 

“The blotting paper and the wick are not alive, 
are they? Still, you see the same process going 
on. This is due to what is termed capillary at- 
traction. Suppose you take two tubes, one larger 
than the other, each open at both ends, and stand 
them in water. The water will rise in the tubes 
above the surface of the water outside, and the 
height it rises depends on the inside diameters of 
the tubes. The smaller the bore the higher will 
the water go up. So with the pores in the wood. 
They are very small, and thus the water moves 
to the greatest heights.” 

It was now a question of the greatest impor- 
tance to set up their home at the most desirable 


68 THE CONQUEST 

point. The Chiefs, together with John and 
Blakely, had numerons conferences with the Pro- 
fessor, on this subject. Many things had to be 
taken into consideration. 

First: It should be located at a point con- 
venient to all the tribes. 

Second: It should be on or near the seacoast. 



G, <6hoa/in^ Cc tpillar i/ Jittrajcftort .. 

Third: Everything else being equal, the most 
desirable place would be in a section which had 
the richest soil. 

These considerations were suggested to the 
Chiefs, and all agreed that the river separating 
the land of the Osagas and the Berees would be 
most suitable. 

'T know a place,” said Uraso, ''where there is 
a running water like you have at the Cataract, 
and it is a little river that flows into the big 
river.” 


THE NEW TOWN SITE 69 

‘‘Does the water go down steep as we had it!^’ 

“Yes,” answered Uraso. 

“Let us go there at once,” responded the Pro- 
fessor. 

Within two days the spot was reached, and at 
the sight of it all were pleased beyond measure. 

“It is an ideal spot,” exclaimed John. “The 
falls would be much better for our purpose than 
the Cataract, and it is close to the river. As the 
latter has ample depth for good-sized boats, and 
the sea is not more than three miles away, I 
judge, we are near enough to carry out the pur- 
pose of building the large vessel.” 

No conferences were required to make the deci- 
sion. “Your judgment is to be commended,” said 
the Professor to Uraso. “I do not think there is 
a better spot on the island.” 

“It suits me,” said Blakely. “See the forest to 
the northwest? That is where I used to live. I 
know the boys will enjoy exploring it, and if they 
want excitement at any time, it is near enough 
to give them plenty of exercise.” 

The boys’ eyes glistened with excitement at the 
news. “Won’t we have fun over there, when we 
are fixed up!” said Will. 

The Professor, addressing the Chiefs, said: 
“We do not need all the men we have here, as 
they will no doubt be needed for a time at their 
homes, in order to take care of the women and 
children. For the present I suggest that one-half 
of them be sent home, and the others remain here, 
and get the work started. This will take sev- 
eral moons, and we must then meet, unless we 


70 THE CONQUEST 

hear from the Iliyas sooner, and march against 
them/’ 

The chiefs selected the ones which were to re- 
main, and those instructed to return home were 
advised that later on they would be brought to 
the new village, to take their part in the work, and 
thus give an opportunity to all. 

The greatest enthusiasm prevailed, and each 
tribe tried to outdo the other in generous acts. 
The example set by the Professor was, indeed, a 
lesson to these poor, ignorant creatures. 

“Professor, what shall we do when the herd 
arrives ? I think we had better fence in a field for 
them until they get used to the people and learn 
to remain in this part of the country.” 

“I am glad that you suggested that, Ealph. 
You may build a fence to hold them, and I sug- 
gest that you use the space in the forks of the 
river.” 

“How many men shall I take for the purpose ?” 

“As Sutoto will likely be here to-morrow, or 
on the following day, you should take enough to 
do it quickly. Use at least fifty of them. Stut 
would be the one to call in for help.” 

“What kind of a fence shall we build I” 

“I will make a sketch of the best form for the 
present. Have some of the men cut posts that 
have several forks like the sketch shows. Cut 
these off at lengths so that one fork will be about 
two feet up out of the ground, and the other five 
feet or a little more above. Set others to work 
cutting the long poles, which you will find along 
the river bank.” 


71 


THE NEW TOWN SITE 

^'How long should we make the poles?” 

'‘Get them as long as you can ; but make them, 
say,' nine, eighteen or twenty-seven feet long. 
Then, at the same time, others can be digging the 
post holes, and make those eight feet apart and 
two feet deep. When the posts are set, the men 
with the poles can go along and lay them in place, 
just as I show.” 

The warriors took the holes and sallied down 
to the stream. Ealph had made a mental calcu- 



lation that at least one hundred posts would be 
required; the line of the fence was laid out and 
the holes marked. Muro took charge of the dig- 
ging of the holes, and the men showed a wonder- 
ful aptitude for the work. During the afternoon 
the Professor wandered down to the line, and 
went among them, speaking words of cheer and 
commendation to all, so that he impressed his 
wonderful personality on every man. 

Meanwhile Harry, with the other boys, was at 
work preparing a new water wheel. In this he 
had the aid of Uraso, as the director general of 
the men. Many hands make light work. In a 


72 


THE CONQUEST 

single day the wheel was ready for mounting. 
The dried lumber which had been brought over 
was a great advantage in making it, and in prepar- 
ing the bridge below the falls on which the wheel 
was mounted. 

This was completed on the evening of the sec- 
ond day, just as Sutoto came into view with the 
cattle. It was an amusing sight to see how they 
had brought over the herd. 

Apollo was the name of the bull which had the 
terrific fight with the old bull. The first thing 
Sutoto did was to catch Apollo, and firmly secure 
him with hobbies. He was led in front, and the 
others driven along after him, the rest following 
meekly. 

When Apollo was finally loosened, and allowed 
the freedom of the corral, he gave a roar, pawed 
up the ground and shook his head at the indig- 
nant treatment. 

Their appearance meant milk and butter. 
There were thirty-five in the. herd, of which ten 
were young animals, from four to six months of 
age, and six calves, the latter of which retarded 
the movement of the drove on the route. 

Early in the morning the wheel was put up, and 
it began to turn, to the delight of the men. 

^Tt would be better, Harry, to set up the saw- 
mill at once, as I have directed a number of men 
to go to the forest with John, to cut the logs, and 
they will take the two teams along, so that by the 
time you are ready, the material will be here for 
you.” 

^AVhat shall I cut first?” 


THE NEW TOWN SITE 


73 


“Get out the scantlings for the house and shop, 
as the latter will he the first to receive our atten- 
tion. We must have some place to put the things 
we have in the wagons.’’ 

It is remarkable how quickly a set of men, work- 
ing under intelligent directions, can carry out a 
purpose. The logs began coming in shortly after 
noon, and in the morning the saw was at work, 
and it did not cease its operations for many a day. 

The natives were so fascinated with it that they 
considered it a grief to leave it. But the Pro- 
fessor had other purposes in view. George and 
Tom were selected to make several looms, simi- 
lar to the one brought from the Cataract. In 
this work, as in everything else, some particular 
ones were selected and instructed to do the work. 

Eamie fiber was found in abundance, along the 
streams, and after a set of men had been in- 
structed how to cut and gather it, they were kept at 
that work, while others were directed how to wet 
it down and rot the woody fiber and taught the 
manner in which the fiber was freed of the stalks. 


CHAPTER VI 


BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN 

Within a week most disquieting rumors reached 
the new village as to the attitude of the Iliyas 
and Tuolos. The former sent an insulting mes- 
sage that if the White Chief wanted the captives 
he should come for them. 

The Tuolos had returned to their country, but 
John was determined that they must have a visit. 
Thus far no bands from the warring tribes had 
molested either the Saboros, who were nearest 
on one side, or the Brabos on the other side. 

Their silence after a peace message was sent 
them could only be interpreted to mean one thing, 
on the part of the Tuolos. 

“The Iliyas will not dare to injure the captives 
they have with such a warning as we gave them, 
and if they intended to destroy them it is possible 
that has been done already. Under the circum- 
stances a little patience on our part may show 
them that we mean business.’^ 

Muro, who understood the Iliyas’ character bet- 
ter than the others, was of the opinion that the 
Professor’s views were most likely to accomplish 
the purpose without bloodshed. On the other 
hand, he was of an entirely different opinion with 
respect to the Tuolos. 

A few weeks of active work, first, in completing 
all preparations for defense, and second, in organ- 
74 


BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN 75 


izing the tribes into a working nnity, would be of 
the greatest importance to the community. 

The shop and the laboratory were completed, 
and most of the things in the wagons were now in 
place. The important thing was the disposition 
of the treasure. For the safe keeping of this a 
large pit was dug beneath one end of the shop, 
and an underground vault constructed, the brick 
for this purpose being made from a natural sili- 
cate found in the hills near by, and which hard- 
ened without burning. The interior was also 
plastered with the same material, and a strong 
door, small, but thick, was constructed to close 
the opening. 

During the night John, the Professor and 
Blakely, with the boys, carefully stored the treas- 
ure there, so that the ditferent tribes had no idea 
of the use to which the vault had been put. 

Two of the simple looms had been made, so 
that there were now three ready to turn out goods, 
and the fiber was in such shape that it could soon 
be utilized. In the meantime the boys concluded 
that as the weaving process was the slowest oper- 
ation it would be well to construct several addi- 
tional looms, and two of them capable of making 
goods four feet wide. 

One of the first acts of the Professor was to 
scour the hills to the north for minerals. He was 
in search of copper, and taking a half dozen of 
the natives with him, and one of the teams, a 
load of copper ore was brought in. 

The furnaces and smelters had been set up by 
the boys, previous to this, and within ten days 


76 


THE CONQUEST 

a hundred pounds of copper were run into clay 
receptacles, to be used for the various purposes. 

^‘What do you suppose the Professor wants 
with so much copper f’ asked Ealph. 

“You can make up your mind he has some 
scheme or other,” answered George. 

The Professor really did have a scheme, for 
the first thing he consulted Harry about was a 
plan to make some small molds in two parts, out 





The One-Cent Coin 


of brass, from a plaster paris disk which he had 
carved out. 

“AYhat is that for!” asked Harry, laughing. 

“That is to make one of the first coins from 
our mint,” he answered, smiling. 

A sample of the coin is shown. 

“Wliat is the hole in the middle for!” 

“So they can be strung on a cord, and thus pro- 
vide a means for keeping them.” 

“That is the first time I ever heard of that 
plan.” 

“It is not anything new. The Chinese adopted 
the plan years ago, and Belgium is a country 
which has followed the idea. It has been found 


BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN 77 

very convenient for shoppers, as they can string 
them on vertical pieces of wire, and in that way 
they are always kept in columns before them, and 
can be readily taken off in making change.” 

In making the molds, the molten brass was first 
poured around the paris plaster disk, so that the 
metal was level with the top of the disk, and, 
after it was thoroughly cooled, an additional 
amount of metal was poured over this, so that 
the two parts would separate. The disk was then 
taken out, and two holes made on opposite sides 



The Five-Cent Coin 


through the top. The copper was then poured in 
one hole until it appeared at the other hole. In 
th?s way the print formed by the disk was cast 
in the coin. 

Harry made a half dozen of these molds, and 
the mint was ready for operation. Tom and one 
of the natives set to work making the coins, and 
the first day cast two hundred of them. Within 
a week they became quite expert at the business, 
and when they took stock at the end of the week 
over twenty-five hundred of the coins were in 
the treasury. 


78 THE CONQUEST 

A large-sized coin was turned out, which is also 
shown, the smaller being for one cent, and the 
larger five cents. The stock of coins within ten 
days amounted to fifty dollars in value, but it was 
a good beginning. 

During the evening the coins were shown 
around and admired, and John said: ‘‘We have 
plenty of silver, when the time comes, which can 
be worked up in the same way.” 

This idea had not occurred to the boys. “But 
how,” asked Will, “shall we use these? The na- 
tives won’t give anything for them?” 

“That is what we are trying to teach them. 
They are of no value except as a medium of ex- 
change. Money is of no value, except as it enables 
us to buy something with it. When you have a 
five-cent piece and a taro root before you, and 
are hungry, which will you take?” 

“The taro root, of course.” 

“So it isn’t the coin itself, but only its value 
in what you want. It is want that gives money 
any value.” 

“But I still don’t see how we are going to make 
the natives want the coins.” 

“We do not intend to make them want them. 
But we may soon have some things they will 
need. Now it is immaterial whether they give 
money for it, or if they furnish us something we 
wish in exchange.” 

“Then of what use is it to have the coins?” 

“Simply because we must have something to 
measure by. If you buy a yard of cloth you must 
have a yardstick. If you want a certain quan- 


BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN 79 

tity of grain you must have a quart or a bushel 
measure.' Now that yard or bushel, each, is worth 
so much, and they are measured by a coin or 
coins, of which both know the value.’’ 

“I understand now. You are simply trading a 
certain marked coin for a bushel of grain, instead 
of giving something else for it.” 

‘^Exactly; money in itself has no value. You 
cannot eat it, or make it serve as an article of 
clothing, or drink it. You can only measure the 
needed things with it.” 

The practical operation of the use of coins as 
money had its first trial on the following day, 
when the Professor had two hundred cords pre- 
pared, on which were strung five one-cent coins and 
a five-cent coin. 

The warriors were told to file along the wagon, 
and George handed out one of the coin sets to 
each as he passed. They looked at the bright 
disks curiously, at first, and were informed that 
they were being rewarded for the work they had 
done. This was a singular way of requiting them 
for their services. They had obtained food in 
plenty, and therefore this way their pay ; but now, 
in addition, they were being rewarded. 

Uraso explained the new proceeding. They 
had conspicuously displayed the ramie cloth, made 
in different colors, which had been woven during 
the past two weeks. Not a word was said about 
that. The goods displayed seemed to be of more 
value than the coins. It was something they 
could wear, and they envied the manner in which 
the white people clothed themselves. 


80 


THE CONQUEST 

John went np to Jim, who had the fiber cloth 
in charge, and asked him for a piece, indicating 
the length of the yardstick, which he held, and 
when he was told that it was worth one of the 
small coins, John made a great show of taking 
one of the coins from the cord and paying for 
the goods which Jim cut off. 

Tom did likewise, and this was very soon re- 
peated, some taking two yards or more. The 
natives regarded this as a new species of barter, 
and it did not take them long to see the peculiar 
features of the transaction. Before night fully 
half of the coins were again hack in the hands of 
the treasurer. 

The next day the boys, at the instigation of the 
Professor, began a species of trade with the na- 
tives, purchasing some trinket or other article, for 
which coins were offered in exchange. This 
spirit began to take possession of the natives. 
Eegularly each week the pay for work performed 
was given, and as the weaving of cloth went on, 
the sale of the goods began to increase. 

Soon the Professor called the chiefs, and said : 
^‘We ought to send some of these men to their' 
homes, each week, and bring others here, so that 
all may have an opportunity to work and to learn, 
and also be able to buy the goods we make.’^ 

There was a twofold purpose in this : The war- 
riors would, he knew, take their purchases home, 
and thus give their families the benefits of the 
cloth, and it would incite a desire for them to 
again return and work for the purpose of acquir- 
ing more goods. 


BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN 81 


This was the first object lesson. In the follow- 
ing week, the second one was quietly brought to 
their attention. The workers had been fed from 
the common table. It was desirable to stimulate 
individual effort. 

For this purpose the Professor, John and 
Blakely, as well as the boys, went to the different 
workers, and made bargains ; some offered a coin 
for the bringing in of a brace of fowl ; others for 
a certain amount of vegetables ; and some for par- 
ticular quantities of fruit and for barley. 

The sawmill was turning out a certain amount 
of lumber, and the main house was erected, and 
then began the building of a number of small 
two- and three-room dwellings, all put up cheaply, 
but in a substantial manner. 

This proceeding was looked on with wonder by 
the warriors. Before long the women and chil- 
dren of some of the workers appeared, and their 
coming pleased the Professor immensely. 

It was evident that the two warring tribes were 
in communication wuth each other, and as the af- 
fairs of the little colony were moving along in a 
very satisfactory way, it was determined to bring 
them to terms. This was brought about by two in- 
cidents, which will be related. 

The Brabo territory extended the farthest north 
of any of the inhabited lands, and adjoined the 
portion occupied by the Tuolos. 

In a previous book the history of John was re- 
lated, in which he described an immense cave, near 
their village, occupied by the medicine men of 
their tribe, and where he took refuge when pur- 


82 


THE CONQUEST 

sued. There he discovered a large amount of 
treasure. He and the boys had long wanted to 
go there. 

When the report was brought to the new vil- 
lage that the Tuolos had made a foray into the 
Brabo territory, and killed several warriors, car- 
rying some of the women into captivity, it was 
a warning that could not be disregarded. 

Immediately, on the heels of this news, was the 
report of two runners from the Saboros that dep- 
redations had been committed by the Iliyas. 

The Professor called John, Blakely and the 
chiefs Oma of the Brabos and Muro of the Sabo- 
ros into consultation. 

^‘We are now in condition,’’ he said, ^Vhere we 
must undertake to call those tribes to account. 
The outrages reported are probably only the fore- 
runners of others which may be much more seri- 
ous, and I want your views on the course to fol- 
low.” 

‘Tt is fortunate,” answered Blakely, ‘That the 
tribes referred to are separated by the sections 
of the island inhabited by our allies. This gives 
us an opportunity to treat with each separately. 
It seems to me that we should attack the Iliyas 
first, as they are the most powerful of the two.” 

‘T do not altogether agree with you,” responded 
John. “My view is that we should proceed against 
the Tuolos, as they have committed the most seri- 
ous offense, in killing the Brabos.” 

“You speak wisely,” said Muro. “The Brabos 
are not as well protected as my people.” 

This observation, coming from Muro, was a most 


BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN 83 

pleasing one to John and the Professor, and Blake- 
ly was instructed to muster a force of two hun- 
dred. Notices were sent to all the allied tribes, 
and within a week they arrived, all eager to en- 
gage in the expedition. 

“While engaged in that work the business must 
not cease here,” observed the Professor. “It will 
be your duty, Blakely, to thoroughly drill the men, 
and instruct them in the uses of the weapons. 
For reasons which you will understand, John will 
accompany the expedition.” 

During all this time there was not a day but 
the Professor, as well as George, Ralph and Jim, 
whenever opportunity offered, scouted about in 
various directions, and brought in new specimens 
of woods, flowers, vegetables, and samples of ores. 

The Professor’s eyes were gladdened many 
times at the odd parcels left on his table, th^t 
excited the curiosity of the boys. Jim was an in- 
defatigable gatherer of vegetable products, and 
one thing which attracted him immensely was the 
branch of a tree which bore a number of star- 
leaved clusters, each leaf being feather-veined, 
and the stems carried numerous yellowish purple- 
spotted flowers, and also nuts about the size of 
pigeon eggs. 

“Down near the large river the banks are full 
of these. Can we make any use of them!” asked 
Jim. 

“Why that is a variety of Chica,” he answered. 

“What is Chica, anyhow!” 

“The seeds are good for making burning oil. 
The inner bark furnishes a fiber which resists all 


84 


THE CONQUEST 

moisture ; and the nuts possess a substance which 
is well known all over the world as mucilage. It 
is recognized in commerce as gum tragacanth.’^ 

“I saw different kinds there. Are they all use- 
ful f’ 

‘‘Some species contain nuts which are very fine, 
but are never eaten raw. They must be roasted.” 



“When Jim and I were down there this morn- 
ing we saw at least a dozen different kinds of 
plants growing together in a space not three feet 
square. We both wondered why each kept on 
growing in its own way, from the same kind of 
soil. Now, don’t the plants get all they are made 
of from the same soil? And if that is so, why 
don’t they grow to be the same things?” 

“Of course, like the animal kingdom, the germ 


BUILDING UP THE NEW TOWN 85 


of each is different, but each takes the identical 
substances from the same soil, and converts them 
into entirely different products. One will make 
a gum ; the other produces a kind of milk ; others 
will turn out a hard substance, like the outer por- 
tion of the nut ; some will make a vegetable good 
to eat ; others will yield a poison, and yet all are 
from the same soil.” 

“That is what I mean. Even though the plants 
are different, why is it that one will extract one 
thing and another something else 

“It is due to what is called irritability or sen- 
sitiveness in plants. One plant is sensitive to the 
flow of certain juices, and is irritated, so that it is 
set into activity when different kinds of substances 
are carried along the pores or deposited in the 
cells. As a result, this irritation causes the plant 
to take only certain ones and reject others, and its 
tissues are thus built up only by such elements as 
its sensitiveness selects.” 

The training of the warriors with the new guns 
was a stirring sight for the boys, who could not 
help but be present during most of the time during 
the two days preceding the departure for the 
country of the Tuolos. 

Ealph and Tom begged permission to accom- 
pany the party, and this was a natural request, 
because they had been rescued from this tribe the 
year before. 

It thus happened that the party of warriors, 
equipped as they had never been before, left the 
village, with one of the wagons, which was loaded 
with provisions and ammunition, and the boys 
took charge of the team. 


CHAPTER VII 


THE EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLQS 

It was decided to go north until they reached 
the level country, which would afford easy travel, 
and then move to the west and cross the large 
river which separated the Brabos from the Tuolos, 
as it would be better to meet them on the extreme 
western side of the ridge which they occupied. 

‘‘Do you remember, Blakely, what kind of coun- 
try is to be found directly west of their principal 
village f’ asked John. 

“I have been over that entire country,” respond- 
ed Blakely. 

“When I recovered, the morning of the wreck, 
I went inland at once,” remarked John, “and I 
never saw the sea again. When you related your 
story about seeing a certain tribe offering up 
victims you must have been on the western side 
of the village.” 

“Yes; I came up from the sea.” 

“Wellj you see I came down there directly from 
the north, and I reached the village on the eastern 
side, and I saw the sacrifice of the captives at the 
same time you did, but on the opposite side of the 
village.” 

“That is very probable. On the western side 
the country is high, but not difficult to travel 
across.” 

“That is the exact point I am aiming at. I 
know that all the way down, from the place where 
86 


EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLOS 87 

I struck into the interior, it would be almost im- 
passable for the wagon.” 

This settled the route to be taken, and they 
moved westwardly, after crossing the river, and 
before night the boys canght the first glimpse of 
the broad ocean. 

In the morning they pnt out scouts, which went 
well in advance of the column, and Muro was in 
charge of them. His instinct as a trailer was in- 
imitable. 

Before evening of the second day the scout s^ 
announced the first signs of the Tuolos. The vil- 
lage could be reached within two hours’ march, 
but John advised waiting for the following morn- 
ing before approaching. 

During the early evening, however, Muro re- 
turned on a hurried trip from the front. ‘‘They 
are having a great feast at the village, and it ap- 
pears that they will make sacrifices to-night, or to- 
morrow, so that we should approach as close as 
possible, and if we find that is their intention, pre- 
vent it.” 

This news stirred all into activity. The column 
went forward with the utmost caution, although 
it was dark, and the wagon had to be guided along 
with great care. 

The movement proceeded until nine o’clock, and 
during the night march Muro had arranged a con- 
stant line of communication with John, through 
his runners. A festival was in progress, and the 
two victims were plainly seen by John when he 
and Muro went through the grass and inspected 
the village. 


SS THE CONQUEST 

The inaction of the whites had entirely dis- 
armed the Tuolos. Indeed, as afterwards learned, 
they began to think that fear prevented an at- 
tack on their village, and no sentinels were posted 
to warn them of any approaching foe. 

While waiting for the return of John and Muro, 
Ealph and Tom also wandered around the section 
surrounding the camp. They were in a valley, 
on both sides of which were ridges running north 
and south. The moon came out before ten o’clock, 
and they remembered some of the scenes about 
them. They had been brought from the south 
through this identical valley when they were cap- 
tured by the Tuolos. 

They were on the hillside, not five hundred feet 
from their camp, and were about to descend the 
hill, when Ealph started back, and grasped Tom’s 
arm. 

‘‘What is that dark object directly ahead?” 

The dark object was an opening into the hill, 
but as it was by the side of a projecting rock, it 
had the appearance of an object. They looked at 
each other for a moment in silence. 

“I wonder if this is another cave, or the one 
John spoke about?” asked Tom. 

“No, that is on the east side of the village. We 
are below the village. Do you think we had better 
make an investigation?” 

“Yes; but I wish John was here. Come on; we 
have plenty of help here if we need it.” 

The opening was approached as noiselessly as 
possible. It showed a typical cave entrance, 
through solid rock, or, rather, through what ap- 


EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLOS 89 


peared to be a cleavage which had been spread 
apart. They had no light of any kind, but the 
discovery was one which interested them, because 
they knew of the treasure caves existing on the 
island, and two of them, at least, were within 
their knowledge, and contained immense hoards. 

^^Gan you strike a match, so we can get some 
idea of itf’ asked Tom. 

‘T am going to try it at any rate.” So saying, 
the match was lighted, and its beams penetrated 
the interior. In their eagerness the match was 
muffled, and went out, but they caught sight of 
a huge white cross, far beyond, and it seemed to 
be moving. 

‘^Did you notice that?” asked Tom excitedly. 

‘^Do vou mean the cross?” 

^Tes.” 

‘Tt seemed to move up and down.” 

‘T thought so, too.” 

don’t care about going any farther without 
we have some one with us and can have a decent 
light.” 

The boys hurried to the camp, and waited for 
John. When he came they hurriedly related the 
experience. 

'‘That will do to investigate.” 

"We saw a cross in there, moving up and down.” 

"Have we any of the candles with us?” he asked. 

"Possibly; I can soon tell.” 

Tom came back with the news that he had found 
a box of them. 

"As the village is quieting down, we shall have 
plenty of time to make the examination to-night. 


90 THE CONQUEST 

We must wait until Muro returns, so as to get the 
latest news, and can then start out.” 

Muro returned shortly after, and together with 
the boys, went up the hill, and entered the 
mouth of the cavern. Three candles were lighted. 
The great cross was before them, but it was such 
a different thing, now that they were face to face 
with it. The end of the chamber, which the light 
penetrated, had four openings to the chambers 
beyond, two above and two below. These open- 
ings were separated from each other, and the white 
walls between the openings appeared to form the 
white cross. 

It was wonderfully realistic, this fanciful and 
fantastical carving of nature through the rocky 
structure. 

‘^But I saw it move ; that is sure,” said Tom. 

‘^Did you see that move, or was it the light of 
the match that moved?” asked John. ‘Tmagina- 
tion plays many a trick, during the excitement of 
the moment.” 

John took the light, and by moving it up and 
down showed how the beams, shining past the 
glistening walls, would cause the illusion of the 
cross moving. 

The cavern was found to be much broken up 
as they advanced, and reaching the second set of 
chambers, it was evident that some one had lately 
occupied it. Penetrating farther into the interior, 
they were surprised to see articles of savage 
clothing, and long reeds, that had been burned 
at the ends, together with utensils for cooking. 

^‘We have entered one of the homes of the medi- 


EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLOS 91 

cine men of the Tuolos. I have no doubt they are 
now at the village attending the festivals, and we 
had better leave as quickly as possible.” 

Before the entrance was reached they heard a 
great commotion outside, and their own people 
rushing to and fro, and as they were emerging 
three fantastically garbed natives met them. John 
ordered them to halt in the native tongue, and they 
stood there irresolute. The boys also leveled their 
guns at them, and they submitted as Muro and his 
men rushed up. 

The appearance of John and the boys startled 
Muro beyond expression, as the latter said : ‘‘These 
are the medicine men of the tribe.” 

“I knew it,” responded John. “We have just 
been investigating the place they live,” and he 
pointed to the mouth of the cavern. 

These were the men who performed the sacred 
rites of the Tuolos, and were called the Krishnos, 
as they learned from Muro. 

“Take them to the camp,” ordered John. 

Without more ado, they were hustled down to 
the wagon. It seems that when the Krishnos re- 
turned from the village they found themselves in 
the immediate vicinity of the camp, and in the ef- 
fort to escape aroused the sentries, who rushed 
upon them. 

If they could have reached the cave, not one of 
the warriors would have dared to enter it, as their 
superstitious fears would have prevented them, 
but outside the cave they had no such feelings. 
It was fortunate, therefore, that John and the 
boys were there to prevent them from entering. 


92 


THE CONQUEST 

As they were going down the hill, John exhib- 
ited a curious cross. He had found it in the cave, 
just before he advised the boys to go out. It was 
made of stone, and one of the limbs had a hole 
near its end, which indicated that it had been 
carried as a charm. 

‘‘Isn’t that singular? Why should the natives 
have the Christian sign of the cross ?” 



“That is one of the earliest symbols that the 
world knows. Its use goes back beyond the earli- 
est period of history. It was the favorite figure 
used by the astronomers and astrologers of the 
ancient Babylonians, fully four or five thousand 
years ago. The clay tablets and stone monuments 
of the Persians contained them; the Hittites, in 
the earliest Jewish times, used them; and the an- 
cient Egyptians decorated the High Priests offi- 
ciating in the temples with figures of the cross.” 

“It seems to me that if it was used by peoples 
in different parts of the earth, there must have 
been some reason for it.” 


EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLOS 93 


‘^One of the well-known forms found in the in- 
scriptions shows the cross within a circle. This 
seems to he the meaning of the phrase in Isaiah 
which says the Tour ends of the earth.’ In Bible 
times the earth was known to be round, so that 
the expression used in the Bible about the ‘circle 
of the earth,’ and the four ends, seem to point 





clearly to the cross within the circle, to indicate 
the four points of the compass.” 

“So the Christians took an old form and made 
it their symbol !” 

“Yes; the Eoman cross, used at the crucifixion, 
had the lower stem longer than the other, and 
from this fact that form became the Cross of 
Christianity.” 

The uproar created by the pursuit attracted the 
attention of the warriors in the village, who ran 
to and fro, and soon learned the cause of the 
disturbance. 


94 


THE CONQUEST 

The camp was kept quiet, however, but the 
scouts watched the excitement created, and report- 
ed the results at frequent intervals. Muro knew 
they would not desert the village, as they would 
not be likely to leave it at the mercy of their 
enemies, at least without a fight. 

John confronted the medicine men as soon as 
the wagon was reached. 

‘^Why do your people make war, and refuse to 
treat with us f ’ 

‘‘Because you have no right to come and try to 
kill us.” 

“Why did you imprison our people, and otfer up 
some of them as a sacrifice?” 

“Because your people fought us.” 

“You lie ; you took those who were defenseless, 
and had no weapons. You do not tell the truth.” 

“The Great Spirit told us to kill you.” 

“Why do you try to lie to me. I do not believe 
you. The Great Spirit never told you so. He 
would not speak to you.” 

“The white man does not know. He speaks to 
us.” 

“Where does he speak to you?” 

“In the sacred cave.” 

“How does he tell you?” 

“With wonderful signs.” 

“Tell me some of the wonderful signs.” 

“He makes a great light, and we read it in the 
light. He makes a great noise, and we know what 
he says.” 

“Does he make a great light and a great noise 
up there?” and John pointed up to the heavens. 


EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLOS 95 

‘^Yes.” 

^^Then why did you lie to me when you said that 
he speaks to you in the cave 

^‘We can understand it only in the cave.” 

While they were thus speaking John held the 
stone cross in his hand, and the Krishnos eyed 
him curiously. He finally saw the movement, and, 
quick as a flash, he reached down in his pocket, 
unobserved by them, and drew forth one of the 
wooden matches, which they had made at the Cata- 
ract. 

^What is this?” he asked sternly, pointing to 
the cross. 

They raised their hands and rolled their eyes 
upwardly, as though about to pronounce a male- 
diction on John. He deftly drew the match along 
the rear side of the stone, and as it blazed forth 
into light, he thrust it forward into their faces. 

The act was such a startling one that they threw 
themselves on the ground in terror. 

“The Great Spirit told me that you lied, and he 
is about to come out of the stone and consume 
you. He will follow you everywhere unless you 
go to the Tuolos at once and tell them that the 
Great Spirit has told you to give up the captives, 
and to never again kill any of them. You must tell 
them we have been sent to make them our friends, 
and that if they do not follow this advice we will 
punish them.” 

The Krishnos cringed before John. It was ob- 
vious to the surrounding warriors that the words 
they had heard had an ominous import, and they 
saw how feeble were the devices of the so-called 


96 THE CONQUEST 

wise men when pitted against the knowledge of 
John. 

John assumed a most tragic attitude, as he 
slowly raised his arm and pointed with his finger 
to the savage village. ^^Go,” he said, ^^and bring 
back to me the answer before the morning sun 
comes up.” 

They hesitated. ‘‘Do you fear to go ! Are the 
wise men cowards ? Did the Great Spirit tell you 
to fear the Tuolos? Shall we go and sacrifice all 
your people?” 

“They will not believe us ; they will kill us.” 

“Then they, too, know you have lied to them. 
If you remain here you will not be safe, because 
the great light might destroy you.” 

Then turning to Muro he said : “Take these men 
to their village, and see that they are forced to 
meet their chiefs,” and with an imperious air he 
turned from them. 

Muro’s warriors were not too gentle with them. 
The spell of savage witchcraft had been broken. 
John and all of them knew it. They were hustled 
forward in the darkness, and as they approached 
the village Muro told them to advise the chiefs in 
his presence what John had said. 

Muro and the warriors, with the loaded guns, 
remained at a safe distance, and the Krishnos en- 
tered the village. They waited in silence for more 
than an hour, and then a commotion was noticed, 
which grew more intense as the voices increased 
in volume. 

In the meantime John with the rest of the war- 
riors came up quietly in the rear, and, after con- 


EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLOS 97 

suiting with Blakely and Muro, the village was sur- 
rounded. 

The boys saw the large hut where they were con- 
fined, after being captured, and from which they 
were rescued. Calling John’s attention to it, 
Ealph said : ‘'That big house is the place they kept 
us, and that if where you found us.” 

John looked at them in surprise. He did not 
know this, as at the time the boys were rescued he 
was in mental darkness, and did not recall the in- 
cident. 

It was obvious that some tragedy was being en- 
acted. While awaiting the result of the confer- 
ence Muro was away instructing the pickets who 
were around the village. He soon appeared, bring- 
ing with him two Tuolos whose dress betokened 
them as belonging to the same order as the indi- 
viduals who had been sent into the village. 

Calling John aside he said: 

“The Tuolos have two rival sets of medicine 
men. These belong to the other set, and are the 
ones who perform the religious rites.” 

“AVhere did you find them!” 

“Directly east of the village.” 

“Were they going to the village!” 

“Yes.” 

“Did they come from the hill on the east side!” 

John mused for a while, and then said quietly 
to Muro: “They came from a cave on the hill, 
where they perform their rites, and it is a place I 
want to see. It is one of the reasons I insisted on 
coming to settle matters first with the Tuolos.” 

Muro was astounded at the information, as he 


98 THE CONQUEST 

asked : ^‘How do you know there is a cave in the 
hilir 

“Because I have been in it, and I know what it 
contains. They are having trouble in the village 
with the Krishnos we sent there.” 

“Yes,” responded Muro ; “and they have sent for 
the others, as they do not believe what they have 
told the chiefs.” 

“I will question the ones you have brought in.” 

The two captured were brought before John. 
They stood before him in defiant attitude, and 
some of the Brabo warriors cringed at their frown- 
ing mien. 

“Why were you going to the village ?” he asked 
with a severe frown. 

At this question they scarcely deigned to move 
their heads, and were silent. The question was 
repeated, but they refused to answer. This was 
carrying out the very line of conduct which Muro 
had advised John would be the case, and in con- 
cert they had mapped out a course of action. 

“Tell me, Muro, have any of your people the 
same fear of these Krishnos as the others possess 
in the various tribes!” 

“It is the universal belief in the various tribes 
that to offend them means death. The only ones 
who are supreme are the chiefs, who often im- 
prison them, but even the chiefs dare not kill 
them.” 

“Will your people carry out our command if 
we do not order them killed?” 

“My people will do whatever I say, even though 
it be to kill them. They saw how the other Krish- 


EXPEDITION AGAINST THE TUOLOS 99 


nos quaked when you made the fire come out of 
the stone.’^ 

‘‘Then, if they refuse to answer me, I will order 
them to be beaten. You will understand.^^ 

“That will be done with pleasure,’’ he answered. 

It was obvious to all that the Krishnos consid- 
ered themselves immune from the threats of John, 
as they stood there and seemed to breathe impre- 
cations on the heads of their captors. 


CHAPTER VIII 

THE SUBMISSION OF THE TUOLOS 

The situation was a tense one to the entire 
party, and John moved forward, placing himself 
directly in front of them. 

“Do you think the Great Spirit can prevent us 
from punishing you! If you do not answer imme- 
diately I will call on him to lay stripes on you. Do 
you answer!” 

He stepped back slowly, and then suddenly 
spoke out the warning signal that he had arranged 
with Muro, and instantly six of the most powerful 
Saboros sprang upon them and bound them to- 
gether face to face. John stood there with arms 
folded. He raised a hand, and two of the warriors 
raised the supple and toughened twigs, and 
brought them down on their bare backs. 

It was all done with such wonderful celerity, and 
precision that it astounded the circle of warriors 
beyond measure, and the effect was doubly so to 
the two Krishnos. John had staged this to pro- 
duce the greatest effect. The Krishnos were bound 
with their heads side by side, and a cloth put over 
their heads, so that they had no knowledge who 
their tormentors were. 

They danced about, and in their shrieks called 
out imprecations on their enemies, but soon, as the 
blows continued, begged for mercy, and Muro sig- 
naled them to cease. 


100 


SUBMISSION OF THE TUOLOS 101 

The cloth was removed and John again ad- 
dressed them. They again persevered in their 
silence, and at a motion the cloth was again placed 
over their heads. 

Before the second chastisement began they 
yielded and the cords were released. 

‘'You see the Great Spirit did not come to your 
assistance. Why were you going to the village 

“To tell the chiefs not to yield to you.’' 

“The Great Spirit has told me to tell you that 
the Tuolos must give up their captives, and cease 
war. Will you tell the chief sof 

“The Great Spirit did not tell you so,” they de- 
fiantly answered. 

At a signal from John the cords were again 
brought into play, and the cloth exhibited. At this 
sight they pleaded for mercy, and promised to do 
as John requested. They were released and con- 
ducted to the outer line of pickets, and quickly 
disappeared within the village. 

It was now nearly four in the morning, and the 
first streaks of light began to show in the east. 
Muro knew the Tuolo character. They regarded 
themselves to be the superiors of all the tribes, 
and hitherto had treated the others with contempt, 
excepting the Iliyas, whom they respected only 
because they were the most powerful. 

“They are having a warm time discussing the 
situation,” remarked John, as he noted the surg- 
ing inhabitants. That there was indecision be- 
came apparent, and the condition of the Krishnos 
more precarious, as light began to give them a 


102 THE CONQUEST 

more decided glimpse of the activities in the vil- 
lage. 

Soon warriors were noticed rushing to and from 
the large circle within which the Krishnos sat. 
Bows and spears were hurriedly grasped. 

‘^What does it mean!’’ asked John. 

^Tt is likely they know they are surrounded, 
and have decided to defend themselves,” answered 
Muro. 

A warrior of distinguished appearance emerged 
from the circle, and advanced toward the position 
occupied by John. Muro beckoned to John, and 
together they moved into the open. The warrior 
saw the two approaching, and he halted. 

Turning to his band he spoke a word, and an- 
other no less distinguished stepped from the rank 
and moved toward him. 

‘^The first one is the chief, and the other one he 
called to follow is the next in rank. As there are 
two of us, so must there be two on his side.” 

John and Muro advanced without halting, and 
as they neared each other the chief, in the most 
haughty manner, addressed Muro as follows: 

Why do you come to make war on my people !” 

Muro, taking his cue from John’s previous atti- 
tude, rose to his full height and replied : ‘‘You have 
always been the aggressor against the other peo- 
ple, and you have within the last moon killed and 
taken two Brabos in captivity, and we demand 
their return.” 

“That I will not do.” 

“Then the White Chief will speak to you.” 

John advanced and began the conversation. 


SUBMISSION OF THE TUOLOS 103 

‘^The white people do not desire war. You cap- 
tured two of my people and I took them from you 
with only four men. All the tribes but you and 
the Iliyas have united to compel you to submit, 
and you shall not again be free to murder and in- 
jure other people. 

“If you want war, we are prepared to fight you. 
Your village is surrounded, and we have the fire 
guns which will compel you to yield. If you will 
surrender, we will see to it that you and your 
people shall not be harmed, but if you resist you 
will be killed. You cannot escape.^’ 

The chief was stunned, and could not answer. 
John saw the impression the address had made, 
and proceeded: “What did the Krishnos tell you? 
Did they not tell you to surrender? Did they not 
tell you that they lied when they said the Great 
Spirit wanted you to kill us?” 

The chief was silent. Was he debating the 
matter in his mind? John continued: “When this 
speaks,” he said, pointing to his gun, “all of the 
fire guns about your village will speak.” 

“How shall we know you will keep your word?” 

Muro held up his hand, as he spoke: “Ask the 
Kurabus whether the White Chief keeps his word.” 

Before he could reply, John added: “The White 
Chief keeps his word. He believes the people 
here will keep their word if they know the others 
will do so. He has armed the tribes who have 
allied themselves with him, because he believes in 
them, and we do not want to make you captives, 
or offer sacrifices of your brave men.” 

“The White Chief speaks wisely,” said Muro. 


104 


THE CONQUEST 

“He does not believe in making sacrifices. The 
Great Spirit has told him that is wrong/' 

Still the chief pondered, and, slowly raising his 
head, said : “I believe the white man, and what he 
says. I will tell my people." 

He turned and moved toward the village, John 
and Muro remaining there, as an indication that 
they expected an immediate answer. 

“He will yield," said Muro, “and according to 
custom, will first tell his people what his decision 
is." 

Muro was right. Within a half hour the chief 
advanced at the head of his warriors, the latter 
of whom had left their bows and spears at the 
circle, and the two stood ready to receive them. 

As the two chiefs appeared the warriors lined 
up behind them. 

“I have brought my warriors here to show you 
that we will be friends." And John advanced and 
took the hand of the chief. 

“In my country we become friends when we take 
each other's hands, and I am glad to see that you 
have wisdom to accept us as your friends." 

At a signal from Muro, the warriors advanced 
from all sides, and together they marched into the 
village, the different ones telling the Tuolos the 
wonderful things the White Chief was doing, and 
how they were bringing all the tribes together, 
and making them stop war. 

The first act of the Tuolo chief was to liberate 
the two Brabo warriors. When the wagon was 
driven into the village, the people gathered around 
the curious contrivance. Some of them remem- 


SUBMISSION OF THE TUOLOS 105 


bered it when it was there nearly a year before, 
but under quite different circumstances. 

The boys, Ealph and Tom, soon attracted the 
attention of the chief. He went up to them, and 
simulating the act of John, held out his hand. 
The boys understood it, and respectfully respond- 
ed and saluted the chief, in regular military fash- 
ion. 

Then, as a climax to the foregoing events, Blake- 
ly gave a word of command to the fifty who were 
armed with the guns, and for the benefit of their 
new allies, put them through a manual of arms. 
The precision with which this was done, and the 
remarkable manner in which the subsequent evo- 
lutions were performed, astonished the Tuolos. 

While this was going on there was little time 
to notice the condition of the Krishnos. They had 
been bound ; and were now lying in disgrace at the 
place where the circle had been formed, trembling 
at their fate. 

Before preparations had been made for break- 
fast, the chief gave a command, and a number of 
warriors rushed up to the poor fellows, and began 
to drag them to the large hut. 

Muro motioned to John, and quietly said : ‘‘They 
will probably torture them.” 

John appeared before the chief and said: “The 
Great Spirit will be offended if you injure the 
Krishnos.” 

“MJiat would you have me do with them?” 

“Give them to me.” 

The chief ordered them to be brought forward, 
and spoke to them: “The White Chief has asked 


106 


THE CONQUEST 

me not to injure you, and at his command I have 
given you to him.’’ 

This announcement seemed to stun them, but 
Muro was quick to assure them that the White 
Chief meant no harm. 

The boys took complete satisfaction in going 
over to the large hut, to again witness the place 
where they had spent two weeks in terror, ex- 
pecting that each day would be their last. 

But we must return to the Professor and the 
colony. Two days after the departure of John 
and his force, the second insulting message came 
from the Iliyas, in which the statement was made 
that they and the Tuolos had united to drive the 
Wliite Chief from the country and to destroy the 
tribes who were allied against them. 

A messenger was sent after John, but this was 
not necessary, as the Tuolos were in their power 
before the messenger came. 

The Professor had ordered the building of a 
number of small houses, each containing two or 
three rooms, and these were plainly fitted up for 
comfort. Some of the natives became quite ex- 
pert at putting up these structures when once di- 
rected. 

George and Jim were set to work, with a half 
dozen of the men, at building chairs and tables 
for the houses, and the work of weaving the cloth 
goods was not interrupted for a moment. As 
stated, the women began to drift in, and the Pro- 
fessor welcomed them. When they arrived, many 
of them with their children, the Professor as- 
signed them and their husbands to these cottages. 


SUBMISSION OF THE TUOLOS 107 

This was an intense delight to them. Each cot- 
tage had a small patch of ground surrounding it, 
and the first care was to advise them how to lay 
off and plant flowers about the place, to make the 
surroundings attractive. 

It must not be thought that the houses were 
gifts. It was not the purpose to instill the idea 
that this work was one of charity. Instead each 
head of a family was made to understand that he 
must pay for the home, and this was done in 
as simple a manner as possible, so it would be 
aiDpreciated and understood. 

Individual effort was stimulated on the part of 
the different workers. As fast as the members of 
a worker^s family arrived, they were installed in 
houses, and then began a new system of provid- 
ing for their keep. Hitherto, they had boarded 
at the expense of the common fund; but now this 
was gradually changed, and they were informed 
that each family must provide its own food, and 
that those who did so would receive a larger num- 
ber of coins. 

This resulted in each one trying to find some 
new direction in which they could get the coins. 
It is curious how this new phase of living brought 
out traits common to humanity everywhere. Some 
more eager than others, and having less honesty 
than the common run of natives, sought to get their 
sustenance by resorting to trickery and thievery. 

In their native state this was not considered a 
crime. It was commendable, unless detected. But 
by constant talk, on the part of the Professor, and 
by example, he instilled into the policemen, which 


108 


THE CONQUEST 

he had installed, the principles of honesty. He 
awarded those who were vigilant, and the result 
was that they were most acute to detect the rogues. 

The first thief was caught the day after John’s 
party had gone. He was immediately brought be- 
fore the Professor. The arrest of a thief was 
such a new proceeding that the workers could 
not be kept at work, and the Professor suggested 
that they should all be present at the trial. 

The inquiry was conducted with decorum, Har- 
ry being appointed to prosecute him, and George 
to defend the prisoner. George did it vigorously, 
too, but it was a plain and palpable case, and he 
was found guilty. This proceeding was another 
entirely new manner of treating an offender, and 
the people marveled at the attempt to defend the 
thief. 

The Professor saw the cause of the wonder- 
ment, and said: ^^We do not defend the wrong, 
but we believe that each man who is charged with 
a crime should be permitted to defend himself. 
If he does not know how to properly defend him- 
self, then it is our duty to see that he is protected 
in all his rights, for he is not a criminal until it is 
proven.” 

“He has tried to explain why he took the goods, 
but you know what he has said was not true, and 
he must be punished for it. He must work two 
moons without getting any of the coins, and if he 
repeats the crime, he must work until he restores 
the value of the goods taken, so that each one will 
know that a thief cannot take things from another 
without paying for it.” 


SUBMISSION OF THE TUOLOS 109 


The incident for a long time deterred anyone 
from repeating the offense. It was an object les- 
son, because it instilled a respect for a law which 
was fair to all. 

Snros, the chief of the Berees, was the most im- 
pressed by the scene, and could not express him- 
self too forcibly at the wonderful effect which the 
principle would have on the tribes in their deal- 
ings with each other. He was really an intelligent 
native, far ahead of the others in his comprehen- 
sion of the duties of one to the other. 

The fact that he was regarded with reverence by 
all but the Kurabus, and was even respected by 
them, was a strong factor in determining the Pro- 
fessor to set in motion a form of government which 
it was hoped would forever terminate all bitter- 
ness of feeling between the tribes, and which will 
be detailed hereafter. 

During the day on which the Tuolos submitted, 
the two chiefs, together with John, Blakely and 
Muro, were frequently in consultation. 

^^The Great White Chief, who rules all of us, 
wishes to see you, and you must bring fifty of 
your warriors with you to his village,” said John. 
‘^He will show you how you can be made strong, 
and your people happy. He will tell you what our 
purpose is, and what the Great Spirit asks you 
to do. We will start in the morning.” 

The chief, to the surprise of all, did not demur 
at this. That night John called in Blakely, Muro, 
Kalph and Tom. 

‘T want you to go with me to the cave on the hill 
to the east. There are some things which belong 


110 


THE CONQUEST 

to us. We shall take them, since they are of no 
use to the people here, and we may be able to put 
some of the things in such a condition that they 
will be of value to the people on the island.’’ 

The wagon was taken along, and the people 
wondered at the strange proceedings. Many of 
them followed, but Muro warned them to remain 
behind. It was evident to all, however, that they 
were going to the Krishno cave, and its purport 
was a mystery to them. 

John’s sense of direction did not deceive him. 
He soon found the entrance on the village side, 
and, lighting the candles, immediately entered the 
cavern. John led the way, as his experience in 
its hollows enabled him to point out the direction 
to be taken. 

The interior, lighted up by the candles, was most 
weird and beautiful. The stalactite hangings were 
not massive, but showed the most delicate tracings, 
in the first chamber reached. This was the west- 
ern wing of the great interior cross which John had 
previously described. 


CHAPTER IX 


PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE NATIVES 

Directly beyond this chamber, and on a line 
with the entrance passage, was an extension which 
led to the other side of the hill. The chamber 
formed an immense cross, in its plan section, and 
the two lateral extremities were the points of in- 
terest. 

The party first went to the left, and there found 
the habitation of the Krishnos. Peculiar imple- 
ments and instruments were discovered, and all 
of these were taken, and placed together, Muro 
and the boys looking on in wonder. 

Among them were found a number of crude 
crosses and numerous charms or amulets, the kind 
that they vended, and which the natives gave their 
souls and bodies to acquire. 

^‘The possession of these will be of great service 
to us, as the people reverence them, and we must 
not expect to change their beliefs in a fortnight.” 

^‘You said there was a lot of treasure here,” re- 
marked Ralph. 

^‘That is in the other wing of the chamber. As 
we have everything from this place that is service- 
able, we will go to the south wing.” 

The recessed part of the chamber at this place 
had the appearance of being carved from the rock, 
and decorated with the universal calcium. The 
floor was covered with stalagmites, rough and un- 
111 


112 


THE CONQUEST 

even, showing that the place had not been trod, 
perhaps for centuries. 

^‘What are those curious things?” asked Tom, 
gazing at the square-shaped objects, which were 
arranged in one comer. 

opening them we shall see.” 

“Here is one, partly opened,” exclaimed Ralph 
in great excitement. 

“Yes; that is the one I tried to get into,” an- 
swered John. “Notwithstanding it was a hazard- 
ous thing to do at the time, I took the risk. The 
Krishnos were at that very time at the other wing 
which we just left.” 

The receptacle Avas brought out and examined. 
The wealth of gold and silver was amazing. Blake- 
ly could hardly believe the testimony of his eyes. 

“Your ship, the Adventurer^ is floating around 
in pieces on the Pacific, but I imagine there is 
enough here to compensate you for the loss of the 
vessel,” remarked John, as he noticed Blakely’s 
wondering look. 

“Hoav can we ever get all this stuff on the 
wagon?” asked Tom. “The boxes are all falling 
to pieces.” 

“The Krishnos have plenty of copper vessels, as 
well as others, which they have gathered up from 
the wrecks on the coast. You know the best of 
everything goes to them, and the chiefs are not 
strong enough really to prevent them on account 
of the superstitious fears they inculcate.” 

True enough, the eastern wing had a hoard of 
vessels, some of them of the greatest value, which 
were arranged about the chests of treasure, and 


PLANS FOE BENEFIT OF NATIVES 113 

tlie work of filling the receptacles was industrious- 
ly undertaken. This occupied them for fully three 
hours, and the ’greater task of carrying them to 
the wagon was begun. 

When they emerged from the cave at four in 
the morning they were tired beyond all descrip- 
tion, but they had a mass of treasure, that did not 
pale in comparison with the amount taken out of 
the caverns near the Cataract. 

In the morning the Tuolos were selected, and 
the chief invited to enter the wagon. John went 
to the large hut, and released the Krishnos. They 
were unbound, and directed to follow the marching 
column, surprised at being free from the captive 
bonds. They could not understand such treatment, 
and this was heightened when John ordered the 
aged Krishno, who walked with difficulty, to take 
a place in the wagon. 

The natives saw the warriors and their chief 
depart, not as prisoners, since all had their weap- 
ons, but conducted in state, if the appearance of 
the chief in the vehicle was an indication of the pro- 
ceeding. 

Two days thereafter the cavalcade approached 
the village, and the chief strained his eyes, as he 
peered at the multitude about him, and saw a vil- 
lage of a most remarkable character, where two 
moons before was a virgin tract of land. 

The venerable appearance of the Professor at- 
tracted him. He was startled at the sight of 
Suros, and then, glancing about, he recognized 
Oma of the Brabos, Uraso of the Osagas, and 
lastly, Tastoa, chief of the Kurabus, lately his ally. 


114 THE CONQUEST 

The Professor welcomed him with outstretched 
hand. ^‘You are wondering at the sight of your 
late enemies, and of your friends. 'We have noth- 
ing but friends here. They can tell you that we 
welcome you as a friend, and will explain why 
we do so. We will show you what the people are 
doing for themselves, and how happily they live, 
and the White Chief brought you here so that you 
might see these things for yourself.’^ 

^^We welcome you, Marmo, as one of our 
friends,’’ said Suros. “I tried many moons ago to 
tell you that the Great Spirit did not want us to 
kill each other, but the wise men told you differ- 
ently. We do not believe them any more, but lis- 
ten to the White Chief.” 

^‘He has told us the most wonderful things, and 
taught us how the white men live, and how dif- 
ferent tribes live together in peace.” 

After the welcoming functions and the explana- 
tions were concluded, he was taken to the ditfer- 
ent works, and everything explained to him. He 
saw the water wheel, and how it turned the saw- 
mill and the grindstone and lathes, and the mill 
for making the flour. 

The looms interested him the most of all. It is 
singular how the various tools and machinery 
affected the different ones, and this was particu- 
larly observed by the boys. 

have watched the several tribes,” said Harry, 
as they first looked about them at the strange 
things, and it is curious how the different things 
impress them. I have noticed that the Osagas are 
particularly interested in machinery. The Saboros 


PLANS FOE BENEFIT OF NATIVES 115 

like anything connected with the soil, and they 
would make good agriculturists.” 

‘‘Don’t you remember when Uraso came to the 
Cataract he never took any stock in the guns, but 
Stut couldn’t keep his hands off them?” responded 
Tom. 

“The old chief Marmo thought the loom was the 
finest thing in the whole lot. He is over there 
now, and has been watching it for the last two 
hours.” 

For two days the chief wandered around, pay- 
ing no attention to anything but the machinery, 
and the products turned out. The coins were a 
novelty, and a string was presented to him. He 
noticed the friendly attitude of all the warriors 
to his men, and marveled at the change. 

He could not understand why the men would 
work for the coins, and then give them up for 
something else. The Professor tried to explain 
this, and it must be confessed that it was a hard 
thing to do. It seemed that nothing but a prac- 
tical application would make it plain. 

The Tuolo chief was a ready listener now, and 
was unusually quick to grasp a situation, although 
he could not learn the ethics of the white man. 
The Professor had him present at one of the trials 
for theft of a petty nature, which occurred a few 
days after his arrival. 

He was surprised to find that any notice should 
be taken of such a trivial affair. The Professor; 
commenting on it at the trial, which he did particu- 
larly for the benefit of Marmo, said : “It is not the 
amount of the theft, but the act itself, which we 


116 THE CONQUEST 

must condemn. If you could have taken a larger 
amount you would have done so, and you must 
learn that the property you took did not belong 
to you but the some one else, and that is just a^ 
much a crime as though you took all the man pos- 
sessed.” 

That was sufficient for his first lesson in jus- 
tice. ‘^But,” he asked of the Professor, ‘‘can all 
men be guilty of doing wrong!” 

“Can you do wrong?” 

“Yes.” 

“But you are a Great Chief, and how can you 
do wrong in taking things from your people?” 

“Because the people own the things, just as 
much as you own the things which you have prop- 
erly obtained.” 

“Then if you do wrong, will you he punished?” 

“Yes; just the same as the people who do 
wrong. My punishment should he greater, if I 
do wrong, because I should set them an example 
to do right.” 

“But how can I do wrong if I take anything 
from my people? I own everything.” 

“Who gave everything to you? By what right 
should you or I own everything ? Because we are 
chiefs does not give us the right to own every- 
thing.” 

“Then how can the chiefs ever own anything?” 

“They should work for it like everyone else 
does.” 

“Do you work like the others do ?” 

“Yes; I oversee the work of others and try to 
make them happy, and see that no one is idle and 


PLANS FOE BENEFIT OF NATIVES 117 

that the laws are obeyed. For that work I am 
paid, just as the others are paid for the work they 
do. I do this work because my people ask me to 
do so, and they pay me a certain number of coins 
for the work, the same as the man is paid for the 
particular work he does.’^ 

This doctrine, so entirely new, could not be 
grasped at once, and he continued with his ques- 
tionings : ^^But the people may not want me as their 
chief, and take some one else, and that would 
cause trouble, and no one would know who was 
chief.” 

“Then it becomes your duty to so conduct your- 
self that they will not want some one else to be 
chief. If a man works for me and he does not 
know or care how he does the work, or is careless, 
and I cannot depend on him, I get somebody else 
in his place. Would you keep such a man?” 

“No; but I would have the power to send him 
away.” 

“Then the wise chief must know that if he acts 
as a true father to his people they will not try 
to get another chief.” 

Blakely had been a man of affairs at home, and 
was a sharp, shrewd business man. To him the 
Professor entrusted the arranging of the affairs of 
the town, impressing on him the importance of di- 
recting the natives into a wide and diversified char- 
acter of enterprises. 

The business was one admirably suited to his 
temperament. He had long ago spoken to the 
boys and John about the promotion of the island, 
by the establishments of various industries, and 


118 THE CONQUEST 

particularly agricultural pursuits, wliich would 
require workmen to cultivate coffee, cocoa, the 
spices, and the numerous vegetable products which 
grew in a wild state in great abundance every- 
where. 

These various articles, if grown systematically, 
would mean an immense source of wealth, and 
should afford employment for all the natives, and 
thus mean their advancement. 

The hills were full of mineral. He knew this, 
and had the testimony of the Professor as to the 
valuable character of ‘the various ores. Sooner or 
later communication could now be established with 
the outer world. All were contemplating the prep- 
aration of a suitable vessel which would enable 
them to return to the United States. 

One evening, while the conversation was on this 
absorbing topic, he remarked : don’t know how 

you gentlemen feel about this place, but as for 
myself I feel that from a business point of view 
this is the ideal spot. I am just as anxious as you 
are to see my home again, but the possibilities 
are so immense here, that, as soon as possible, 
I shall come back.” 

^^For my part,” replied the Professor, ^hf a 
ship should appear in the habor to-morrow, I 
would not for a moment consider leaving these 
people. The work of their redemption is not even 
started in such a way as to permit me to safely 
leave them. The boys may well be pardoned and 
commended for wanting to go home, but my work 
is here.” 

^^That expresses my sentiment exactly,” said 


PLANS FOR BENEFIT OF NATIVES 119 

Harry. ‘T want to go home, it is true, but what a 
wonderful experience we have had here, and when 
I think of the remarkable progress we have made 
it astonishes me more than I can tell you. If I do 
go home it will be to come back again, because I 
want to be where the Professor is. I like this 
work, and the excitement it affords.’’ 

''You won’t have any more savages to fight,” re- 
sponded the Professor, "and it might not be so 
interesting for you.” 

"Making guns is much more pleasant than using 
them against people.” 

George’s face was a study. He was the senti- 
mental one of the lot. He was by all odds the 
most emotional, and the greatest lover of home. 
But withal that he reechoed the sentiments of 
Harry. "If I could only see home again, I would 
be content, and when I came back it would be to 
know that I could return whenever I wanted to.’^ 

All the boys were enthusiastic about the trip 
home. Many plans were projected, and talked 
over. 

"Won’t it create a sensation,” remarked Ralph, 
when it is announced that three of the Investi- 
gator's lifeboats were wrecked on an island, and 
that the survivors arrived after an absence of — ” 

"Yes,” broke in Tom. "How long?” 

"That will depend on several things,” said 
John. "First, to bring the Iliyas to terms, and 
second, to build a boat big enough to take us safely 
to the nearest harbor which is in communication 
with America. As for myself, this life and the 


120 


THE CONQUEST 

hopes for the future are too alluring for me to even 
try to get away.’’ 

With characteristic energy Blakely consulted 
Harry and the working force in the shop. 

^‘Do you think we could turn out some plows?” 
he asked. 

Harry smiled. ‘^This establishment is prepared 
to turn out anything it has orders for.” 

‘‘Then put down my order for a half dozen 
plows, to be delivered as quickly as possible.” 

The new town was located within the territorial 
limits of the Osagas’ country, and it was now 
necessary to make immediate provision for some 
sort of laws or regulations with respect to the 
land. The savage theory was that the chief owned 
all the land, and this was a condition that well 
might breed trouble. 

Osaga was the chief. He was the first to re- 
ceive the full understanding of the new doctrine. 
It was proposed that he should receive as full com- 
pensation a certain stipulated sum, and in return 
make a transfer of all his rights to the State. 

“But what is the State,” he asked, “and who will 
he be?” 

“The State will mean all of you.” 

“Then I will own a part of it just the same as 
everjd^ody else ?” 

“Yes; let me explain that still further. When 
your people begin to raise coffee and cocoa, and 
all the other things which the people in the world 
will come here for and buy of you, the lands all 
about you will become very valuable, and many 
will come here to buy them. The money will go 


PLANS FOE BENEFIT OF NATIVES 121 


to the State, which means you and everyone else 
here.” 

it be done the same with the Berees, and 
the Kurabus and the Saboros!” 

^‘Yes ; each will be a State of its own, and will 
be governed in the same way, and a Saboro will 
come here and buy some land, and you wdll pro- 
tect him, and when one of the Osagas goes to the 
Berees he can buy land there, and they must pro- 
tect him and his wife and children.” 

“Yes; I see what you mean. I am content. I 
will do this whether the others do or not.” 

“But I assure you,” continued the Professor, 
“that the others will be compelled to do as you 
do.” 

“How can we compel them?” 

“No one will want to buy their land, and they 
will not become valuable for that reason, like 
yours, because the people who come here will buy 
only where they know there is a law and where 
they know they will be protected.” 

Uraso grasped the wonderful import of this 
statement, and became its most enthusiastic ad- 
vocate. He had many talks with Marmo and Muro, 
and he presented the matter in such a way that 
most suitably appealed to the savage mind. 

The all-absorbing topic now was the proposed 
expedition to the Iliyas. Marmo, the Tuolo chief, 
had sent a message to their chief, in which he set 
forth the advantages which would accrue to them 
to quietly submit, and also stated that he did so 
willingly, in the belief such a course would be of 
the greatest and most lasting benefit. 


122 THE CONQUEST 

Marmo had received no response, and the out- 
look boded no good. Preparations were begun, 
and Marmo insisted that his warriors should form 
part of the force, and that he himself would ac- 
company the expedition. As the boys, by the 
aid of their helpers, had been at work on the guns 
from the time the factory was set up, they had 
a hundred and twenty guns completed. This was 
ample for any requirement. 

Two new wagons were also made, and several 
smaller ones, designed for single steers, the latter 
being used by the Professor and the chiefs in go- 
ing to and fro. 


CHAPTER X 

THE PECULIAR SAVAGE BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS 

The chief Marmo had now an opportunity to 
learn another lesson he was not prepared for. 
Many of the warriors objected to going on the ex- 
pedition. The work at the factory and in the varh 
ous occupations so fascinated them that they 
begged to be excused. 

At the request of the Professor many were ex- 
cused from going, care having been taken to con- 
sult the boys who had charge of the various parts 
of the business as to the ones which could best be 
spared. 

Marmo mused over these things. He saw the 
great cordiality that existed between his warriors 
and the other tribes. He was also gratified to see 
some of his men making things which were novel 
to him’, as they were fascinating to the men. 

The Krishnos were all about and were the per- 
sonal charges of the Professor. He had them 
daily in the laboratory, and all seemed to be 
pleased and happy. Marmo wanted to know 
whether they desired to go home, but all declined. 
There seemed to be a fascination about the place 
he could not understand. 

One evening the Professor saw a Tuolo worker 
stealthily coming up the pathway leading to the 
laboratory, and after looking about with a curi- 
123 


124 


THE CONQUEST 

ous air, pushed open the door, and in the most 
subservient manner begged permission to speak. 

The Professor took him by the hand and led 
him to a chair. ‘'What is it you want, my man? 
Can I do anything for you?’^ 

The hearty manner and smiling face of the Pro- 
fessor emboldened him to speak. 

‘T have a wife and three children in the Tuolo 
village, and I want permission to bring them 
here.’^ 

“Don’t you want to go back there ?” 

“If I do then I will have no more work. I like 
the work. I can make many things now, and I 
want my family here.” 

This was an appeal which could not be neg- 
lected, and he responded in this manner: “You 
do not need to ask me to bring your family here. 
Y'ou have a right to do so.” 

“But my chief will not let me do so.” 

“Did vou ask him?” 

“No.”^ 

“Then I will send for him.” 

When Marmo appeared the Professor told him 
the desire of the man, and when he had concluded 
the chief was puzzled for a moment, and, turning 
to the warrior, said : 

“I cannot understand why my warriors do not 
care about going to war. They like the machinery, 
and the way the little things are made, and to 
learn how to make them. The White Chief says 
you have a right to bring your family here. That 
is well ; but you must not forget your people, and 
when you learn these wonderful things you must 


PECULIAR SAVAGE BELIEFS 125 


come and teach the people at the village how to 
do them.’^ 

He was extremely gratified at this permission. 
A half hour afterwards the Professor called Tom 
and told him of the incident, and suggested that 
he should be provided with a quantity of food for 
the journey. But he had already gone. That was 
certainly sufficient to show the intense eagerness 
to bring back his people. 

George and Ralph were the ones who were al- 
ways on the alert for new things, and Jim made 
a good companion for them in this respect. The 
latter was the first one to actively canvass the 
subject of a name. 

There had been too much to do even to think 
of this before, and if it occurred to the Profes- 
sor he had never mentioned it. Jim went over to 
see the Professor as soon as the idea occurred to 
him. 

The Professor smiled when he saw Jim’s eager- 
ness. 

“Yes, the idea is a good one, but that is some- 
thing which you boys will have to decide. It has 
not occurred to John and Blakely, I know.” 

“I thought it would be a good thing to call it 
Industria, or something of that kind,” responded 
Jim. 

“I like that name, but you settle it among your- 
selves.” Jim was hack very quickly, and rushing 
in to the boys, cried out : 

“The Professor said it was up to us to get a 
name for it.” 

“Name for what?” asked Harry. 


126 THE CONQUEST 

‘‘For the town, of course.” 

“Well, what shall it be?” asked Tom. 

“Call it America,” shouted Will. 

“Oh, that’s too big a name,” roared Ealph, with 
a scornful touch in his voice. “Just imagine how 
this would sound: ‘William Eudel, Esq., America, 
Wonder Island?’ What would the postmaster 
think of such an address?” 

It did look a little out of proportion, as the boys 
laughed at the sally. 

“Let’s call it Independence ; everybody seems to 
be pretty independent here,” was Tom’s sugges- 
tion. 

“I have the best name in the lot.” 

“What is it?” 

“Industria.” 

“There you are again with your Latin,” an- 
swered Harry. “This is going to a real American 
town. None of your Latin endings, or any other 
dead language. This is a live town.” 

“Here is John; let’s get a suggestion from him.” 

He heard the merry laughter, and as he ap- 
proached wonderingly inquired about the cause of 
the hilarity. George said : “We have been holding 
a convention to find a name for the town. We 
have decided to leave it to you.” 

“Name of the town? Let me see. I suppose 
you want a stunning name? Something that will 
make people sit up and take notice. Eh? Well, 
if it turns out all right it doesn’t need a name, 
and if it is a failure everybody will be calling it 
names.” 

The boys laughed at this first attempt that John 


PECULIAE SAVAGE BELIEFS 127 

had ever essayed to treat a subject in a jesting 
way, but he continued: this convention hasn’t 

enough wit about it to select a name I don’t think 
you ought to get an outsider to make a sugges- 
tion. But seriously, Unity would be a good name ; 
and so Hustletown.” 

Unity is just the thing,” suggested George. 
There was not a dissenting voice. 

^^Now that we have the name, I suppose we shall 
have to christen it to make it hold,” remarked 
George. 

‘^Considering the trials and tribulations we have 
gone through to put this town on the map it doesn’t 
need any christening. If we work as hard to make 
it a success as we did to get it started we needn’t 
be ashamed of it,” said Harry. 

“Probably, the same principle will apply in this 
case as the sentence uttered by the Hindoo priests 
at the christening of an infant.” 

“What is that!” 

“Thou hast come into the world with all around 
thee smiling ; so live that when thou departest thou 
mayest smile while all around thee weep.” 

“That is a beautiful sentiment. Hurrah for 
Unity!” and George raised his hat to start the 
shouting. 

As the expedition against the Iliyas was about 
ready to start, the time for the departure was set 
for the following day. Two of the wagons were 
brought into requisition, and loaded with suffi- 
cient provisions to prevent the necessity of forag- 
ing too much. 

George and Harry begged to be taken along, as 


128 THE CONQUEST 

they had put in some strenuous times during the 
two months at Unity, and this was readily granted. 
The other boys were to remain and take charge of 
the active work. John had command of the ex- 
pedition, and Blakely had now too much work at 
the new town to enable him to take part. 

Over three hundred warriors were mustered for 
the expedition. One hundred of the picked men 
had the muzzle-loading guns, and an ample supply 
of ammunition was stored in the wagons, and each 
gun bearer had twenty-five rounds. 

The Professor said, on the eve of their depart- 
ure : ‘T have every confidence in the ability of Mr. 
Varney to make it unnecessary^ to give him any ad- 
vice, but I must say a word to all the wmrriors. 
You are going to the tribes, not for the purpose 
of revenge. We know they have captives in their 
possession, and we have demanded their return. 
They sent us an insulting message. 

^‘Notwithstanding this, we must consider that 
they have sent us this reply out of ignorance of our 
true purpose. Each man must conduct himself as 
the chiefs dictate. There must be no killing ex- 
cept in self-defense.” 

Muro and Uraso, as well as Ealsea, were to ac- 
company them, but the other chiefs w^ere kept at 
home, this arrangement having been made be- 
cause the others really preferred to continue the 
work in the factory and field. 

It was a glorious day to begin the campaign. 
George and Harry were in their element. 

“What a wonderful thing it is to look at these 
people now, and recall what our situation was a 


PECULIAE SAVAGE BELIEFS 129 


year ago,” said Harry, as they drove down the 
road which had been made from the village to 
the east. 

‘‘Yes; a year ago, we were having some trou- 
bles, as it was about that time we got the first 
intelligence that these people were on the island,” 
answered George. 

“I had particular reference to the trip we made 
by sea, when we were wrecked the second time.” 

The entire column marched out past the Pro- 
fessor and the chiefs Oma, Suros, Marmo and 
Tastoa. The six tribes had contributed to the 
expedition, which they hoped would end all future 
wars, and put the island in a condition of peace^ 
and thus enable them to carry out the great work 
planned by the Professor. 

Before evening of the second day the main Sa- 
boro village came in sight. Muro was in a heaven 
of delight. Many of his warriors were in the col- 
umn, and some still remained at Unity. But the 
women and children were still there, and they 
rushed out to meet the advancing column. 

The news of the uprising of the Ulyas was con- 
firmed. A large party of them were less than a 
day’s march to the east, and the appearance of the 
fighting force was a welcome one. There was no 
reason to apprehend that they had any knowl- 
edge of the surrender of the Tuolos. 

The night and part of the day spent at the Sa- 
boro village was a period of feasting. Uraso met 
his sister, the wife of Muro, and the boys were 
lionized by the chief’s family, who took particu- 
lar pleasure in entertaining them. They had heard 


130 


THE CONQUEST 

so much about the remarkable boys, and their ca- 
pacity to make the beautiful things. 

Harry and George brought with them a number 
of the mirrors, and those, with other little trink- 
ets, were presented to the women. The boys were 
particularly impressed with Muro’s eldest son, a 
boy of their same age, and George won Muro’s 
heart when he asked if he could not accompany 
them. 

Speaking to Harry he said: ‘Wouldn’t Lolo en- 
joy the work at the factory? I hope he will let 
us take him with us when we go back.” 

‘T am going to ask Muro,” replied Harry, and 
he sought him out at once. “We want Lolo to go 
back with us to Unity.” 

Muro was delighted at the proposal, and he 
answered: “Yes; Lolo shall go back with us, be- 
cause all of my family are going with us and we 
shall live there.” 

This news was a source of the greatest pleas- 
ure, you may be sure, and it was most gratifying 
to Muro, because he admired the boys. 

“Lolo will like to work in the shop with you. 
He can now make the best bows in the tribe, and 
he makes fine arrows.” And Lolo exhibited some 
of his handiwork, which, from the standpoint of 
the native weapons, was really creditable. 

Returning now to Unity, we shall have to relate 
some very singular things which should be men- 
tioned, as it shows the peculiar beliefs and prac- 
tices of the natives. 

On the day the force left the village occurred 
the first death in Unity. This was one of the 


PECULIAR SAVAGE BELIEFS 131 

warriors, who had been wounded during the last 
fight with the Tnolos and Ulyas, and he had lin- 
gered along until he finally succumbed. He was 
one of the best men, and was mourned by the 
Osagas, of which he was a member. 

Singularly, another of the same tribe died the 
following morning, who was the exact opposite 
of the warrior. Within six hours of the death 



of the latter his friends carried him away, and 
he was buried. The warrior, however, was not 
buried, but, instead, his body was carried to an 
open place, fully a half mile beyond the town, and 
placed on a hanging cot suspended from two trees. 

The boys witnessed the ceremonies, and could 
not understand the meaning of it. 

<<Why do they bury one so soon after death, and 
keep the other for several days, and then suspend 
his body in the air!” asked Tom. 


132 


THE CONQUEST 

The Professor, who attended both ceremonies, 
responded : ^‘This action on their part has a great 
significance. In most savage countries there is 
no more noble thing than to die on the battlefield. 
Usually those who die in that way are not accord- 
ed a burial, generally, because, in case such a war- 
rior belongs to a defeated party, his friends do not 
have the opportunity to inter the body. 

“Sir Samuel Baker, in his book, ^The Explora- 
tions on the White Nile,^ relates an incident where 
he came to a village which had two graveyards, on 
opposite sides of the road. On one side were the 
scattered bones of the dead, and on the other side 
mounds to indicate burial plots. 

“On questioning the chief, he said: Wes; our 
honored dead have their bones exposed, as you 
see, but those who were of no use are put out of 
sight underground.” 

“So the object seemed to be to keep them where 
the people could see them?” 

“That appears to be the reason the chief gave to 
Baker. But there may be another reason for this 
custom, and I shall get Sure s’ views on that sub- 
ject.” 

“Isn’t there some religious meaning connected 
with it,” asked Ealph. 

“I do not think so. Here is Suros; let us ques- 
tion him.” 

As Suros approached the Professor said: “I 
notice that one has been put underground and the 
other not ; why do they observe this difference?” 

“We cannot honor the dead by allowing them to 
go back to the earth.” 


PECULIAR SAVAGE BELIEFS 133 

“Why will it do any good to honor the dead?^’ 

“If we did not honor them, no one would want to 
be great. No one would like to be a great war- 
rior.” 

“Is that the only reward a man has, to be hon- 
ored after he is dead?” 

“What other reward has a man?” 

“Do you not think man will live hereafter?” 

“When? After he dies?” 

“No; how can man live after he dies, and his 
body is given to the winds or to the earth ?” 

“The white man believes he will live again?” 

“Does the white man believe the yak will live 
again ?” 

“No.” 

“Well the yak is stronger than a man, and if 
the yak cannot live again, then how can man, who 
is not so strong, expect to do so?” 

This was a bit of philosophy which sounded cu- 
riously to the boys, and the Professor, noticing it, 
said: “Singularly, this is the same answer which 
Sir Samuel Baker obtained from certain African 
tribes, when he questioned them in like manner.” 

But the Professor was interested in Suros’ state- 
ment that they would not permit the body of the 
honored dead to go back to the earth, and he con- 
tinued : 

“You said that you did not want the honored 
dead to go back to the earth. When you give his 
body to the air, does it not go back to the earth?” 

“No ; the earth and the air are entirely different. 
The Great Spirit is in the air; not in the earth.” 

“Then you give him to the Great Spirit?” 


134 THE CONQUEST 

‘‘Yes; the Great Spirit takes his body.” 

“Don’t yon believe that man has a spirit also?” 

“No ; because we have never seen it.” 

“But yon have never seen the Great Spirit, and 
yet yon say there is one.” 

“We have seen the Great Spirit. He comes when 
it rains, and we can see him and hear him. We can 
feel, the wind that he blows, and we can see the 
great light which he makes every day, and the 
smaller lights at his villages every night.” 

Two things were thus impressed on the boys — 
namely, that they considered the air entirely dis- 
tinct from the earth, and that the Great Spirit 
made the thunder and lightning, and that the sun 
was the Spirit’s light by day, and the moon and 
stars the lights of his villages by night. 

Notwithstanding Suros’ limited knowledge, it 
must be said that in his further talk with the Pro- 
fessor he showed himself to be possessed of qual- 
ities which placed him far above the common run 
of the natives. When he was asked why honor 
was such a prize to them, he answered : 

“Our good men are happy to know that they 
are so placed that the Great Spirit can take them. 
What greater happiness is there for him?” 

“Don’t you believe that trying to make your peo- 
ple happy and contented will please the Great 
Spirit ?” 

“We do not know that. We do not know why 
the Great Spirit should want the bodies of our 
great warriors and good men. We cannot under- 
stand it.” 


PECULIAE SAVAGE BELIEFS 135 

‘The white man believes that if yon do good to 
yonr fellow-man it will please the Great Spirit.’^ 
“That may be ; but I do not see why. There is. 
no reason why he should care how I treat my peo- 
ple. That is not what he is up there for. What 
good will it do him! How will it help him! I do 
not believe many of the things I have been told 
by the wise men, and I have never sacrificed the 
captives I have taken, although my father before 
me did. I try to make my people happy, because 
when I see the Great Spirit giving us the day and 
the bright light and the rain, so that the things 
about us may grow, it seems to me that he is trying 
to be good to us, and I believe that is what we 
should do to each other.” 


CHAPTEE XI 


EXPEDITION TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS 

The occupation of the little houses by the fam- 
ilies of the natives gave the boys the first close 
view of the people in their home lives. They 
were exceedingly primitive. The leaf of the plan- 
tain tree was the greatest boon to these people, 
and the women were engaged most of the time 
in removing the beautiful fiber and in laboriously 
weaving cloth from the strands. 

They were exceedingly deft in this, and it is 
singular how quickly they grasped the idea of 
the loom, as a means to make a better article. 
The loom used by them was a very crude atfair, 
and an idea may be gained of its form by the 
accompanying illustration, which shows the fork 
of a tree branch (A), which serves to hold the 
ends of the warp threads (B). To weave the 
goods, the woof thread (C) is threaded back and 
forth, and as they had no needles for the pur- 
pose, a thorn was used. 

This thorn had no eye, but its large end was 
split, and the end of the thread held in the cleft 
thus made. Every family had this primitive 
loom, and the whole time, outside of their other 
household duties, was given to the weaving 
process. 

The size of each woven piece was about twelve 
by fifteen inches, and the different sections were 
.afterwards sewn together. When they saw the 
136 


TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS 


137 


more modern looms at work it interested them 
intensely, and the Professor, noticing their eager- 
ness and natural talents in this direction, con- 
cluded that this was a good field to encourage 
the industry. 

Most of the looms made goods thirty inches 
wide, and it was not long before several of the 
women were instructed in the art of using the 
looms. Like all of the low order of people, they 





were extremely fond of colors, and that is one 
of the things which attracted them to the fabrics 
which had been previously made and exhibited. 
At the end of the week they were paid for their 
work, the same as the others who were employed. 

The Professor now considered it time to make a 
change in the system of providing supplies. Un- 
der the direction of Will, a store was set up, which 
had on hand a supply of vegetables and game. 
As many of the warriors were away, and the 
others were generally employed in the workshop 
and fields, some systematic elfort had to be made 
to gather food supplies and hunt. 


138 


THE CONQUEST 

By offering certain sums for such articles the 
Professor induced individual effort in that direc- 
tion. The provender thus provided was placed on 
sale in the store, and by every art the heads of 
families were encouraged to purchase those things 
and take them home for consumption there. 

Gradually, the workers were made to under- 
stand that a certain sum would be expected in re- 
turn for their board, so that, in course of time, 
each one became accustomed to know the values 
of certain things all of which were measured by 
the coins now in circulation. 

The kitchen utensils were very limited indeed. 
They had no metal vessels of any kind. Any arti- 
cle of that kind was worth a fortune, and it was 
only the chiefs who had such things, and they 
were obtained from the wrecks of vessels which 
had reached them from time to time. 

Under the direction of the Professor, consider- 
able time was given to the bringing in of ores, 
particularly iron, and the process of recovering 
the metals from the ores was undertaken by a 
considerable part of the force. 

Charcoal and coke were turned out, as a pre- 
liminary to the smelting of the ores, and as fast 
as the metal was in shape, cooking vessels of vari- 
ous sizes were manufactured, and these were 
placed on sale at the store. It was thus possible 
for each family to acquire several articles of this 
kind, which heretofore had been considered the 
most valuable of all treasures. 

Such a thing as a chair or a table was unknown 
on the island. The beds were made of the native 


TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS 


139 


grasses, strewn on the floor. It will be nnder- 
stood, therefore, that the manner of furnishing 
the houses occupied by the whites was a mar- 
vel ; and when the families of the various workers 
moved into their new possessions, it naturally 
dawned on them that chairs and tables, as well 
as properly arranged beds, should accompany 
such luxury. 

The Professor was at the homes of these peo- 
ple daily, suggesting ideas for comfort and con- 
venience. One of the things which interested him 
most was the subject of cleanliness. People liv- 
ing in the manner to which they were accustomed, 
made the sanitary part of the domestic arrange- 
ment an exceedingly difficult problem. 

The necessity of cleanliness was impressed on 
them very forcibly wffien, later on, he was called 
to administer to many of the children, who were 
attacked by diseases, brought on directly by care- 
lessness in thoroughly removing all dirt and decay- 
ing matter. 

To a certain degree the natives understood this, 
and the subject has been referred to previously, 
where they had the habit of anointing their bodies 
and those of the infants with various oils, which 
were obnoxious to insects and germs. 

That knowledge made the task of using disin- 
fectants much easier to instill in their minds. It 
was impressed on them that properly caring for 
the home was a daily task, and must not be 
neglected. 

The women used combs made from the fins of 
fish. These were constructed in the following 


140 


THE CONQUEST 

manner : The entire fin was removed, and the bony 
structure at the base of the teeth was bound be- 
tween two strips of bamboo, and tied around by 
fibers, as shown. The whole was then placed in a 
vessel containing boiling water. The result was 
that when taken out the meat of the fish, being 
glue-like, would act as a cement to hold the teeth 
in place. 

Such combs are anything but sanitary, as might 
be surmised, and the inhabitants were subject to 



Com^ from ftn 


pests arising from articles so made. Their only 
salvation was, in fact, the daily habit of using oil, 
and, from a sanitary point of view, there was noth- 
ing objectionable to this excepting the odor which 
naturally followed, due to the oil becoming rancid. 
The boys then began to make combs from a specie 
of bamboo, and from the ironwood tree. 

During one of the fishing trips the boys brought 
home an immense turtle. The Professor’s eyes 
sparkled when he saw it. 

Will related their experience in capturing it. 
^Ts it good to eat?” he asked. 

^‘Yes; all turtles and tortoises are good to eat.” 

“What is the difference between the two!” 

“The turtle is a sea animal, and the tortoise 


TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS 


141 


a land and water animal. Yon mnst have canght 
this near the sea, as it is a specie of turtle called 
the Testudo.” 

^'What a beautiful mottled top it has 

^‘That is why it interested me so much ” replied 
the Professor. ‘^You now have something that is 
far better than the wood for making combs and 
other like articles.” 

^TsnT that fine? Will it be difficult to make 
them up from this?” 

^Tt is the simplest thing in the world. The 
outer shell, which is all that is used, is put into 
boiling water, and this softens it so that it can 
he worked easily.” 

^Tt seems singular that it is called a ‘tortoise^ 
shell if the land animals are called tortoises.” 

^When the shell first became a matter of com- 
merce, it was supposed that the turtle and the 
tortoise were the same, and the name tortoise 
being much older than turtle, the former appella- 
tion remained in designating the shell.” 

The day and night of festivities of John and 
the warriors, at the Saboro village, was ended, 
and the column took up its march for the country 
of the Ulyas. 

Several of the scouts, sent out two days before, 
returned during the night, and reported that there 
was a strong force directly ahead and that the 
lower villages were also sending up a body of 
men, but that the latter were still two days away. 

Calling Muro, John asked: ‘‘What is the 
nature of the country to the extreme south, or 
next to the sea?” 


142 


THE CONQUEST 

have never been there, but it is elevated, 
and is a fine country. One of my men has been 
there, and he may be able to tell you something 
about it. I will call him.” 

The warrior alluded to was tall, handsome 
and fully tattooed, as was the custom with the 
most distinguished of the Saboros. 

^‘Can you tell me,” asked John, ^Vhat the nature 
of the country is south of the mountains, and 
near the sea?” 

^Tt is the country of the wise men of the Iliyas. 
They will not allow others to go near there.” 

‘‘Do you know why?” 

“It is said there are wonderful things there.” 

“Do you know whether there are any big holes 
in the ground there?” 

“Yes; and in some of them they keep their 
captives.” 

“Do they sacrifice their captives in those 
places ?” 

“No; they take them from those places to the 
villages.” 

“At what times do they make the sacrifices?” 

“When the night is dark.” 

John understood from this that the sacrifices 
were during the period when there was no moon. 

“Why do you suppose that they wait for that 
time?” asked George. 

“Because the Great Spirit out of anger has 
hidden the light and to appease him the sacri- 
fices are offered at that period. This is one of 
the tales that the wise men give out as the excuse 
for the ceremony.” 


TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS 


143 


John had another motive for these questions, 
as will appear later on. The main Iliyas village 
was far to the north of the caves mentioned. Be- 
sides the main one were three others, all ranging 
along the western base of the mountain. 

‘‘How long will it take us,” asked John, “to 
reach the main village?” 

“Osaga knows about that, as he was near there, 
and was detained for several weeks before he 
escaped.” 

“I had forgotten about that.” He was, how- 
ever, at this time, one of the scouts, and when he 
returned later in the evening, said: 

“We can reach there in two days, unless we 
should be met by the Iliyas on the way. I do 
not think they will retreat without making a show 
of fight, as they will have all their warriors in 
the field, when they know we are marching against 
them.” 

At the rate they were going, the main force of 
the enemy would be reached during the day, un- 
less they should retreat. The opinion of both 
Uraso and Muro was that they would not permit 
too close approach to the village before offering 
fight. 

The entire route from Unity, and through the 
Saboro country, was one continual stretch of im- 
mense undulating plains, covered at intervals 
with magnificent forests, and it was evident that 
the soil was rich and capable of yielding any prod- 
ucts in profusion. 

The weather, too, was magnificent. Indeed, it 
was at a time of the year when there were few 


144 


THE CONQUEST 

storms, tlie moisture being sufficient to support 
the growing vegetation and keeping it a beauti- 
ful green. What a paradise this part of the is- 
land would be made, if it could be maintained in 
peace ! 

The march was a continued and steady one, the 
warriors appearing happy and acted as though 
they were going to a festival, instead of to war. 
Early in the afternoon the advance scouts re- 
ported the first sight of the savages, but only 
detached bands, which indicated, however, that 
they were not far away. 

Several hours before they had entered the Ili- 
yas’ country. There was no strict dividing line 
between the different countries, but it appeared 
to be tacitly agreed that certain water courses, 
or other natural lines, marked the territorial lim- 
its of each. 

These divisions were so little understood, in 
fact, by either, that they caused frequent dis- 
putes. A party from one tribe in hunting would, 
incautiously, venture too far, and if the other 
party happened to be near, and in sufficient force, 
would attack on the plea that the territory had 
been invaded. 

This was a matter which the present campaign 
would settle, because the Professor saw the neces- 
sity of accurately prescribing the limits held by 
each tribe. 

It was five o’clock in the evening before reports 
came in that the main body of the enemy was 
in sight. John went forward with Uraso and 
Muro, fully a mile beyond the main force, and 


TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS 


145 


on the way selected a good camping spot, leav- 
ing several there to order the main body to en- 
camp when they arrived. 

With the scouts now returning, and which were 
picked up, a fairly adequate idea was obtained 
as to the number, which was variously estimated 
at two hundred and fifty, which did not take into 
consideration the warriors from the other vil- 
lages, because they now had knowledge of at least 
one party from the south, on the way to rein- 
force the Iliyas. 

John gave strict orders that no one should 
fire a gun during the night, and that a double 
line of guards should be maintained. The course 
pursued during the campaign was as follows: 
Thirty pickets were selected for the watch, five 
from each tribe. These formed fifteen posts, two 
warriors being at each post, and it was arranged 
that the two should be of different tribes, and as 
all were in supporting distance of each other, in 
case of an alarm, one of the two watchers would 
thus be in a position to quickly alarm the camp. 

An advance set of pickets was also thrown out, 
under the personal command of Muro, to watch 
the enemies’ camp. Fortunately, there was no 
alarm during the night. Early in the morning 
the forces were put in line for approaching the 
Iliyas’ camp. 

When the first advance came within sight of 
their camp, the utmost consternation and confu- 
sion resulted, showing how carefully John had 
concealed their movements. 

Muro’s scouts had the fortune to capture one 


146 


THE CONQUEST 

of the Iliyas, who was evidently one of the hunt- 
ers, and the captive was brought in at the time 
when some of his own men had advanced uncau- 
tiously too far. 

He was brought before John at once, who ad- 
dressed him as follows : 

“Why have your people started out on the war- 
path against usf’ 

“Because you killed our warriors in the last 
battle.” 

It is singular how the natives in all their inter- 
views of like nature, always found it convenient 
to refer to the last and most immediate act as 
a particular reason for their enmity. In this re- 
spect they were veritable children. 

They might have been, as they were in this 
case, the original aggressors, but if an attempt is 
made to repay them the original cause of the strife 
is forgotten, and the last act only is considered. 
John knew it would be of no use to argue the 
matter with him. 

“You may go back to your chief and tell him 
that we have come to get the captives he has. 
You must tell him that we have no desire to injure 
him or his people. Tell him that all the tribes 
are now united, and that if he does not give up 
the white people and all others, we will take him 
and his villages, and give his lands to the other 
tribes. 

“You must further tell him that we must have 
his answer at once, and if he does not answer by 
the time the sun is above us (noon), we will con- 
sider him our enemy, and shall attack him.” 


147 


TO SUBDUE THE ILLYAS 

The captive received full instructions from 
Uraso, who warned him that if he failed to con- 
vey this information in the manner given it would 
go hard with him. 

John went forward with the prisoner, and he 
was released within sight of the Iliyas’ camp. 
The enemy was at that time in great commotion, 
as they were, from all indications, preparing for 
defense. 

They occupied a naturally strong position. The 
camp was on the western side of a hill and at the 
bottom was a small stream. 

Directly behind the camp was a heavy forest, 
which, in case of retreat, would atford them shel- 
ter. There was a bend in the river, where the 
camp was located, so that the position was im- 
pregnable as against the native weapons. 

The Iliyas were not counting on meeting a foe 
armed with guns like the allies possessed. They 
did not conceive how their enemies could possibly 
make a sufficient number of guns to count against 
their numbers and their skill. 

In the talks which John had with Uraso he 
learned the history of this peculiar tribe. Orig- 
inally the tribe had practical sway over the en- 
tire island. They were bitter and vindictive, and 
this intense feeling was that which acted against 
them in the end. 

The result was that in times past a constant 
tribal warfare was in evidence among the heads 
of the leading families. The Kurabus and the 
Tuolos were originally Iliyas, or offshoots from 
this great tribe. This was also shown by the 


148 THE CONQUEST 

characteristics of those three tribes, and by their 
dress as well as language. 

John had noticed that the Berees were the 
whitest people on the island, and that the 0 sagas 
and Saboros were much lighter in color than the 
other tribes. Uraso confirmed Suros^ statement 
to the Professor, that there was white blood in 
the veins of many of the people of these three 
tribes, brought about by castaways who had been 
adopted by the people in earlier times. 

The Iliyas kept themselves aloof from the 
others, excepting the Tuolos and Kurabus, and 
these three tribes were the only ones who still 
adhered to the custom of offering up captives as 
sacrifices. 


CHAPTER XII 

THE PEKILOUS TKIP OF THE WAGON 

Affaiks at Unity were moving along at marvel- 
ous speed. Suros, chief of the Berees, announced 
to the Professor that he did not intend to return 
to his country, but would send for his family and 
the families of all his chiefs. This was, indeed, a 
pleasant surprise for the Professor. 

Oma, of the Brabos, was the next to fall into line, 
and we have already stated that such was Muro’s 
intention. The bringing together of all these in- 
terests, to form one common family, was really 
the intention of the Professor, and it was now 
being carried out without any suggestion on his 
part. 

Each day brought to the village accessions from 
some of the tribes, mainly the women and children 
of those who were employed, or who were with 
John’s forces. 

Four days after John’s departure the Profes- 
sor saw one of the Tuolos approaching, carrying 
an infant, with his wife and two other children. 
The Professor went out to meet them, calling 
Will, as he saw they were in a famished condi- 
tion. It was the native referred to previously, 
who had begged permission to bring his family 
to Unity. 

Several of the little cottages had been com- 
pleted, and the surprise of the Tuolo and his wife- 
149 


150 THE CONQUEST 

was complete when he led them to one of these 
homes, and installed them in it. 

Food was brought, and the native cooks ordered 
to prepare it for them at once. The act so as- 
tonished the Tuolo chief, Marmo, that he could 
not express himself. For a day he sat ponder- 
ing. The Professor noticed the act, but he said 
nothing. The next morning Marmo called, and 
said: 

can see why the White Chief told me it was 
well to act so the people would not want another 
chief.” 

“But I am not acting in this way so that the 
people will want to keep me as their chief.” 

This reply puzzled him. 

“But why do you treat my people in this way ?” 

“Because he is a man just like myself. I have 
no right to treat him in any other way.” 

“But he is only a ravoo (common) man.” 

“Why is he only a common man?” 

“Because he is not a warrior, nor were his 
people warriors before him.” 

“But he is a man, the same as you and I are. 
Because he is not a warrior, or was not born of 
some one who was a warrior, or if he does not 
belong to the family of a chief, makes no differ- 
ence to the white man. His children may become 
chiefs, or great men, and if we show them that 
they may become like we are, it will make all of 
them better, and it will not injure us.” 

This philosophy was too deep for the chieftain. 
He could not comprehend it, nor could he find 


PEEILOUS TEIP OF THE WAGON 151 

words to express his opinions of the new light 
which it gave him. 

‘Ts that why yon teach the people to make so 
many things 

‘‘No; that is for an entirely different reason. 
We teach people to make these things so they 
may be able to help themselves and make their 
wives and children happy. We try to teach them 
that it is wrong to be idle. To let them know 
that there is a better way to live than by fighting 
each other or injuring their neighbors.” 

“But why do you act so kindly to one of my 
people when we tried to kill you?” 

“That makes no difference to us now. You 
acted that way because you did not know any bet- 
ter. You would not try to injure us now, would 
you ? Do you think that man would be my enemy ? 
When he tells his friends what I have done, will 
they be my enemy?” 

“These things are all so new to me. There will 
be no more Tuolos, or Osagas, or Berees.” 

“Yes ; there will be the same tribes always. In 
the white man’s country there are still the same 
tribes in the different countries. They love to 
think of their own country and their own people, 
even though they may live with the other tribes, 
and when a man goes from one tribe to live with 
another, the people protect him just the same as 
though he was one of them.” 

The Professor was not yet through with his 
lesson, and suggested that Marmo should accom- 
pany him. They wandered through the town, and 
called at the cottage of the newly arrived Tuolo. 


152 


THE CONQUEST 

The children were playing about, and the wife 
was supremely happy, but awed when the Profes- 
sor and chief appeared. 

The Professor took up the little one and affec- 
tionately caressed it, to the astonishment of the 
mother. She knew the Chief Marmo would not 
condescend to such an act; but to think that the 
Great White Chief should do such a thing was 
something beyond her comprehension. 

Marmo looked on in amazement. It was an- 
other thing which was unlike any teaching or be- 
lief that he had ever known, that it made a power- 
ful impression on him. 

This is but one incident in the history of the 
village which tended to instill in the minds of the 
people, the cardinal duty of man to man. It was 
a practical example, and the knowledge of it went 
from family to family. It became one of the top- 
ics of conversation among the men. Equal and 
exact justice was meted out to each, irrespective 
of what their tribal relations might be. 

In the absence of Harry and George, Ralph and 
Jim had charge of the factory, and were busy 
each day turning out plows and other agricultural 
implements. At the suggestion of the Professor, 
eight more of the steers had been trained to work, 
and he gathered together a dozen of the best men, 
and gave instructions to secure as many of the 
yaks as could be found. 

He offered certain sums for this purpose. It 
was known that to the west, and north of the great 
forest, were large herds running wild. The pro- 
posal stirred them to activity. The party pre- 


PEEILOUS TEIP OF THE WAGON 153 


pared for the hunt, and in this were assisted by 
Blakely, who gave them many timely hints as to 
the best method to lasso them. 

The first expedition started the day after John 
left, and within a week the first installment of 
ten animals arrived, and they had returned for 
more. These were tamed and broken to work. 
The scenes about the town were assuming the 
proportions of a vast beehive of the most earnest 
and enthusiastic workers that it was possible to 
imagine. 

Fields were now laid out, and certain money 
offers made for the production of seeds of vari- 
ous kinds. Coffee-tree shoots, nutmeg plants, 
cocoa cuttings, and many other like species of 
vegetation were apportioned to the newly plowed 
fields. 

Every kind of vegetable known to the island, 
and which now grew in a wild, but scattered, state, 
was sought for, and distributed in small patches 
over the plowed area. Fruit trees were set out, 
and these latter, with a view to make them the 
home sites which were to be the next lines to be 
developed. 

It will thus be seen that there was enough to 
tax the energies of Blakely and the Professor, 
to keep the laborers employed, and prevent any 
drones from getting into the hive. 

When the captive Iliyas which John had sent 
with the ultimatum did not return, nor did the 
enemy show any symptoms of complying when 
the sun neared midday, it was concluded that the 


154 THE CONQUEST 

only plan to pursue would be a quick and a sharp 
assault. 

The moment the sun reached its height, John 
ordered Muro to take one hundred of the men by 
a detour to the right, and Uraso with a like num- 
ber to the left. 

‘Uross the stream and close up behind them 
in the woods. I will make the attack, and you 
remain at a distance. If they should attempt to 
retreat I will follow them up rapidly. We must, 
if possible, force their surrender.” 

The two forces were oft promptly, and within 
a half hour John judged that they must be in 
position. The Iliyas were still on the hill in 
force, apparently not suspecting that two flanking 
columns were in their rear. 

As John gave the order to march forward 
there was the crack of a half dozen guns to their 
right, in the position occupied by Muro’s force. 
This startled the Iliyas, as it did John. The lat- 
ter interpreted this at once. It was, undoubtedly, 
a reinforcing band which Muro had intercepted. 

This was indeed the case. The knowledge of 
this force coming to their assistance, was prob- 
ably the reason why the Iliyas were so defiant. 
Muro, at the head of fifty of his men, charged 
the band, to prevent them from uniting, but at 
the same time it brought down on him a large por- 
tion of the Iliyas. Uraso, suspecting the truth, 
and knowing that the excited movement of the 
Iliyas indicated a rush to assist, broke through 
the woods and thus strpck them on their left 
flank, which so surprised them that they broke 


PERILOUS TRIP OF THE WAGON 155 

in confusion and fled before John and the main 
body could come up. 

The entire Iliyas force was now in confusion. 
John was in possession of their camp, and Uraso’s 
warriors were hurrying through the dense woods, 
so that between the three forces, a number were 
captured in the etfort to escape to the east and 
south. 

Within an hour, not an Iliyas was in sight, ex- 
cept those captured, but the main force, unfortu- 
nately, escaped. The wagons were brought up, 
and now came the problem, how to get them 
through the forest, without making too much of 
a detour. 

Uraso suggested that Stut should take a suffi- 
cient number of warriors to afford protection, and 
descend the stream to a point below where the 
country was clearer, and then trail to the east 
and meet the main column five miles west of the 
main village. 

The pursuers, under the leadership of John, 
followed the trails of the disorganized Iliyas, in 
the hope that they would be able to be close on 
their heels when they emerged from the forest four 
miles beyond. 

They found this forest maze the most remark- 
able of any wooded area on the island. The trees 
were not only immense, but the undergrowth ex- 
ceedingly dense. It is not often the case that the 
two growths are found together, and it would 
have been impossible to get the wagons through 
the mass. 

This forest was in reality the great barrier, 


156 THE CONQUEST 

which kept the Illj^as in such a protected position 
against the inroads of the other tribes, even 
though they should have combined, and they 
counted on this bulwark to protect them in the 
present case. 

It took the pursuing force over three hours to 
push its way through, and they had the satisfac- 
tion of seeing the main body of the Iliyas beyond, 
and brought together in a compact organization. 
As soon as the opening was reached, they halted 
for the noon meal, and instructions were given 
to follow up as hurriedly as possible. 

^^We should move our force to the south, and 
attack them from that side,’’ said John, ^Tor the 
reason that their only hope of reinforcements is 
from that quarter.” 

The villages were lying along the base of the 
mountain range, the general altitude of the great 
plain being fully two hundred feet higher than 
the other level portions of the island. The moun- 
tains to the east, while not high as mountains go, 
were by far the greatest of any on the island, and 
John was anxious to know their character, for rea- 
sons heretofore explained. 

In two hours more they would reach the vicin- 
ity of the main village, and the great struggle for 
the mastery would begin. In the distance could 
be seen the main portion of the town, and it was 
far more imposing than any other in the island. 
There was more or less a mystery about the place. 

Uraso said: ‘‘The place we are now going to 
is the oldest village in the country. Many, many 
years ago it was a great village, and had big 


PERILOUS TRIP OF THE WAGON 157 


houses. They were built by some people that no 
one knows, but they were not built to live in.” 

“Do you know what they are like?” asked John. 

“Nobody can tell, because they do not keep cap- 
tives there, and only take them to that place for 
the sacrifices.” 

“How do you know that the place has the won- 
derful buildings you speak of?” 

“This was learned from the only captive who 
ever escaped from them at the place. I was kept 
at the village to the north, and it was from that 
place I escaped.” 

As the village was neared the sight of the build- 
ings astonished John. While not massive, they 
were of a type entirely distinct from the native 
huts. It was built on an elevated plateau and 
amidst most magnificent trees, the most promi- 
nent of which were the great redwoods. 

Some little indications of ground cultivation 
were found, as they passed the deserted huts on 
their way. Small patches of yam and cassava 
were the principal vegetables noticed. 

It was nearly four o’clock before they crossed 
a stream of water, flowing to the south, and be- 
yond which a good glimpse of the village could 
be seen. John surveyed the scene and was aston- 
ished at the character of the spot, since it had 
evidently been chosen by design, and for some 
particular reason. 

Its location at an altitude which commanded a 
view to the north and south, and also afforded 
a view to the west, betokened some reason not 
compatible with the savage idea of a town. All 


158 THE CONQUEST 

villages thus far found were close to streams, 
and were located apparently by chance, but here 
was a town which was more like a civilized place, 
since it was so located that it afforded the finest 
opportunity for drainage. 

But another surprise was in store for John. 
What are those peculiarly formed hills which run 
to the right and left?” he asked. 

Muro had noticed them, but was unable to an- 
swer. 

have heard,” said Uraso, ‘That they have 
earth-houses to protect the town, but I do not 
know how they are made.” 

This information was sufficient to inform John 
that the town was actually provided with a chain 
of defensive works, and this greatly added to 
his astonishment. 

“We are certainly getting at the heart of this 
mystery,” he said, musingly, as Muro came up. 
The latter informed him that they had captured 
two Iliyas who were making their way to the 
village from the south, and within ten minutes 
they were brought before him. 

John questioned them, but they refused to im- 
part any information. The direction from which 
they had come occasioned some uneasiness be- 
cause the wagons were en route from that quar- 
ter, and they might be runners to the main village 
for the purpose of informing the chief of the fact, 
or, they might be from one of the villages announc- 
ing reinforcements. 

As night approached, and no word was had 
from the force with the wagon, John directed Muro 


PERILOUS TRIP OF THE WAGON 159 


to take twenty-five of the best men, and go directly 
south in search of the convoy. 

George and Harry accompanied the teams, and 
when they left the main column the forest was 
skirted in their trip southwardly. It was known 
that the forest was less dense in that direction, 
and after traveling thus for nearly four hours, 
the men delegated to beat the forest to the east, 
announced that they might safely turn to the east, 
which meant two hours more of struggling through 
a country which, without the warriors to aid 
them, would have been impossible. 

Most of the men were ahead of the team with 
their bol os, cutting down and dragging away the 
trees and bushes, and thus forming a trail which 
would allow the wagons to pass. It was past 
six in the evening when the river was reached. 

In order to gain as much time as possible, Stut 
and the boys concluded to push across, and move 
northwardly along the eastern bank, as it was 
evident the eastern shore afforded the best route. 

Before the plan could be put into execution a 
body of Iliyas appeared in force before them. 
They hastily drew back, and after consulting, con- 
cluded to proceed north along the western bank. 

They had not proceeded a quarter of a milq 
before they ran into an ambush of Iliyas, and 
two men were struck by arrows. Stut gave the 
order to fire, and the bush was cleared. Imme- 
diately a force appeared in their rear, but Stut 
advised an advance, as such a course would bring 
them closer to relief. 

Another mile was traversed, but the first les- 


160 


THE CONQUEST 

son was heeded, and the enemy did not come close 
enough to enable the gunmen to get an opportu- 
nity to shoot. But now an unforeseen obstacle 
presented itself. They had been marching along 
the more or less elevated bank of the stream, and 
directly in their path was a stream flowing into 
the main one, with steep a.nd rocky sides, so pre- 
cipitous that it would be impossible for the 
wagons to cross them, heavily laden as they were. 

The Iliyas appeared in force behind them, and 
apparently none were to the front, thus indicating 
that they did not believe the wagons could cross, 
and in this they were right. It was growing 
dark. Harry suggested that they make camp and 
arrange for protection during the night. 

This was done, the two wagons being placed 
thirty feet apart, and the fort sections were used 
to connect the rear ends of the wagons, so that 
a U-shaped fort was thus provided, the open end 
of the fort being toward the river, which was the 
side they had no fear of, so far as the savages 
were concerned. 

While these preparations were going on no at- 
tempt was made to attack them. ''They are 
either waiting for morning, or for reinforce- 
ments,” was Stut’s comment. 

"Do you think it would be possible to get a 
messenger through to John?” asked George. 

"Yes; but it would be better to send two.” 

"We can easily spare them,” responded Harry, 
"and you had better select them at once.” 

Two intelligent warriors, one a Saboro, well 
known to Stut, and an Osaga, were delegated to 


PEEILOUS TEIP OF THE WAGON 161 

run the risk, and they started to the north along 
the river. 

The night was intensely dark, but notwithstand- 
ing this Muro pushed forward to the south, and 
the utmost speed, under those conditions, v/as 
not more than a mile or mile and a half an hour. 

It Avas known that reinforcements were on the 
way from the south. They might meet such a 
force, and the utmost caution was necessary. It 
was fortunate that the two messengers from Stut 
heard Muro’s Avarriors, and for the purpose of 
determining who they were, approached closely^ 
and made themselves known. 

This intelligence was sufficient for Muro to act. 
The scouts guided them back, and as it was begin- 
ning to grow light the cracks of several guns were 
sufficient to indicate the direction of the wagons, 
and the fact that the attack had begun. 

Muro was a tactician. The scouts stated the 
situation, with the impassible ravine to the north, 
and the attackers to the south of their position. 
His force was on the eastern side of the river, and 
moving back a sufficient distance to prevent knowl- 
edge of his presence from reaching the Iliyas, 
went to the south, and crossed the river in their 
rear. 

The attack of the savages was in force against 
the Avagon, and the spirited cracks of the guns 
showed Muro that he must make haste if he would 
have a part in it. 

Harry and George were seasoned fighters, but 
in this case they Avere entirely in the dark as to 
the numbers which opposed them. This lack of 


162 


THE CONQUEST 

knowledge was the only thing which gave them 
any concern. They knew that sooner or later 
John would rescue them in force. The problem 
was to resist and gain time. 

The Ulyas had heretofore proven themselves 
wonderful fighters and remarkably tenacious. 
This attack was a more determined one than they 
had ever witnessed. There was no cessation in 
their forward advance, and they were most skill- 
ful in seeking cover. 

The boys looked at each other, but neither spoke 
his fears, if he had any; to say the least, it was 
the most businesslike of anything which they had 
witnessed. 

Suddenly, they heard the noise of a volley be- 
hind the Ulyas, and the latter made a concerted 
rush for the underbrush to the west, as Muro, 
with his men, sprang forward through the clear- 
ing; and the boys, with Stut, sprang from the 
wagon and started the cheering, followed by the 
warriors. 

Muro rushed up and embraced Stut and the 
boys. A hurried breakfast was prepared, and the 
fort sections replaced. There was no time to lose. 
They must get back to John and be prepared to 
take part in the capture of the great village of 
the Ulyas. 


CHAPTEE XIII 


THE EEMAEKABLE DISCOVERY AT BLAKELY’s MOUN- 
TAIN HOME 

It was the custom of the Professor to take the 
boys each week for an outing in some direction 
from Unity. The most attractive part was toward 
the great forest, west of the large river. Several 
boats had been made, which were used principally 
for fishing, and one of these was usually taken. 
They would then sail down the little branch 
stream, on which the town was located, and cross 
the large river. 

During the entire time they were at the village 
Blakely had not gone across the river, although 
he frequently indicated a desire to do so, par- 
ticularly to look up the location of the home on 
the hill at the foresTs edge, where he found seclu- 
sion from the savages for nearly nine months. 

The Professor and the boys insisted on his ac- 
companying them on this occasion, and having 
given instructions to the men, they manned the 
large boat and were soon on the western shore of 
the river. 

The large quantity of driftwood, which was in 
evidence here, as elsewhere, attracted the atten- 
tion of Jim, as he turned to the Professor. 

have often wondered why it is that there is 
so much driftwood on the western shore of this 
stream, and hardly any on the eastern shore.” 

163 


164 


THE CONQUEST 

Blakely, his attention having been drawn to it, 
remarked that he had found this to be the case 
In a number of streams, not only on the island, but 
elsewhere. 

^'That is a singular thing,’^ replied the Profes- 
sor. ‘Tt is accounted for by the rotation of the 
earth, which is from west to east. The rotation 
of the earth in that direction also accounts for the 
prevailing trade winds which are from the east to 
the west.” 

“In what way should the rotation of the earth 
cause the drift to move westwardly?” 

“There are two forces which act on a free ob- 
ject on the surface of the earth, namely, centrifu- 
gal and centripetal. The first named is that ac- 
tion which tends to throw an object outwardly, like 
dirt flying out from a rapidly moving wheel; and 
the latter action is that which draws inwardly. 
Thus the spokes might be likened to centripetal 
force. The attraction of gravitation in the earth 
is the centripetal force, and its rotation produces 
the centrifugal force. Wlien an object, like a 
plumb bob, or an article floating on the water is 
free to move, it is found to lag behind the move- 
ment of the earth surface, this retarding move- 
ment being sufficient to cause it to creep to the 
west, with the result you have noticed.” 

The hill pointed out by Blakely was fully three 
miles west of the river. The four boys, Ealph, 
Tom, Jim and Will, with Blakely and the Profes- 
sor, all armed with guns, made a party strong 
enough to enable them to successfully withstand 
the attack of any animal, and it was proposed to 


EEMARKABLE DISCOVERY 165 

make a trip tlirough a portion of the forest^ so as 
to get some idea of its character. 

To carry out this plan, their course was directed 
to the west, and within an hour and a half were 
well in the thick of the wood. The first thing that 
attracted the attention of all were the magnificent 
trees, among them a species of pitch pine, together 
with immense redwood trees, and numerous oak 
species abounded. 

Before they had penetrated a mile the first ani- 
mals were seen. They had never been hunted, as 
the natives kept away from the forest fastnesses, 
and it was singular to see the familiarity of the 
animals. An immense panther, or tree leopard, 
fascinated the boys, and they maneuvered to get 
close enough for a shot. He was very wary, how- 
ever, and Blakely and the Professor kept in the 
background while the boys stalked him from tree 
to tree, and finally Ralph had him in range and 
fired. 

He crashed down but alighted on his feet, and 
without waiting for any explanations bounded 
over to the spot where Ralph and Will were 
crouched behind a fallen tree. Will saw the move- 
ment and called to Jim and Tom, and the latter, 
taking careful aim, fired, without, apparently, 
checking the animal. 

With a powerful spring he landed on the tree, 
not five feet from the boys, and Jim shot the mo- 
ment he landed, the shot taking effect in the left 
eye, and he dropped his head and lay still, hang- 
ing over the fallen tree. 

This was exciting, while it lasted, and gave them 


166 


THE CONQUEST 

sometlimg to talk about for the rest of the day. 
Blakely dragged the animal down, and Ralph and 
"Will, trembling as they were, had their knives 
out when Blakely commenced to skin the panther. 
It was a fine trophy, made doubly valuable, as it 
had been their first attempt to secure big game. 



Fig. 16. The Marmoset 


The boys regretted that Angel had not accom- 
panied them, as they saw numerous orang-outan; 
and here for the first time they came across whole 
tribes of monkeys, particularly the marmoset, an 
interesting little creature. The most striking 
ones were the proboscis monkey, the face being 
not unlike that of an old man with an extremely 
long nose, with whiskers around the neck. 

Blakely and the Professor made many notes of 
the trees, and discussed the uses to which they 



EEMARKABLE DISCOVERY 


167 


might be put, and the boys had their eyes open for 
the wonderful display of animal life on all sides. 

It was fully two o^clock before their steps were 
turned toward the north, so that the hill could be 
reached, and when they emerged from the forest. 



Fig. 17 . Proboscis Monkey 


Blakely pointed out the spot and the best way to 
reach it. The boys went forward with a rush, and 
mounted the hill, but while they searched in every 
direction could not locate the rocky recess occupied 
by Blakely. 

The latter came up smiling. “I told the Pro- 


168 THE CONQUEST 

lessor you would have some trouble in finding it. 
Look directly above you.^’ 

About twenty feet from where they stood was 
a projecting rock, and to the left of it another, 
extending out at right angles. 

^^But how are we going to reach itf^ asked 
Ealph. 

‘Uo around farther to the right, and you will 
find a vine. I used that as a ladder.” 

Around to the right the boys scampered, each 
trying to get there first. There was no vine in 
sight. Blakely was coming up, as the boys turned 
back, disappointed. 

“Not there?” he inquired. “It ran up this tree. 
What is this? Some one has cut it off and dragged 
it up to the shelf above; do you see it there?” and 
Blakely pointed to the vine stump, hidden by the 
grass and weeds. , 

The boys saw the i3lain evidence of the cuts. 

“This is decidedly interesting,” exclaimed 
Blakely, as he turned to the Professor. “This was 
done since I was here.” 

The only way to reach the ledge was to climb 
the tree and try to drag the vine from the ledge, 
and Ealph volunteered to do this. 

It was not much of a task, and when the vine 
had been drawn down he moved out on the limb 
and easily stepped on the ledge of the nearest 
rock, and then drew over the vine so the boys could 
readily reach the main ledge. 

Blakely was the last to gain the top, and he led 
the way around the first projecting rock. The 
view from this point was a charming one. 


EEMAEKABLE DISCOVEEY 169 

'‘Look to the east” cried Ealph; "see Unity 
beyond; isn’t this fine?” 

^ The boys now understood why this was a de- 
sirable place for Blakely. It appeared to be abso- 
lutely safe from either animals or man. 

"How did you ever happen to find this place?” 
asked Tom. 

"Simply by accident — the fact is, I stumbled on 
it. I mean that literally. You see there is only 
one point higher than this. That is directly above 
this ledge. I went up the hill from the forest 
side, and came out to the point, and, missing my 
footing, fell down to this ledge, and discovered that 
the only way I could get out was by the vine lad- 
der.” 

"What is that ?” exclaimed Will, springing back, 
and pointing to an object in front 

Blakely started forward like a shot, and moved 
around the main point from which Will came. 
The boys followed. Directly ahead, and on the 
ledge in front of the recess were two skele- 
tons. The boys were shocked at the sight, and 
the Professor stopped and intently examined 
them. 

"Some one made this his home after I left 
it, that is sure. Here are things I never saw.” 

"Was this your gun?” asked Jim, as he picked 
up a rusty weapon. 

"Yes,” replied Blakely, in great excitement. 
"But how did it get here ? I had it with me when 
I was captured the first time.” 

He looked at the Professor in amazement, and 
then began a minute search of the articles scat- 


170 THE CONQUEST 

tered about, and lying in the little coves within 
the main recess. Here were found a sextant, sev- 
eral knives, some coins, a bunch of keys, a pack- 
age of letters, written in German, a revolver, but 
no ammunition, various articles of clothing, all in 
the last stages of decay and eaten with holes by 
insects. 

But the condition of the skeletons caused the 



greatest speculation. They were lying near to- 
gether, and there was no indication of a struggle 
between them. One was lying with the head rest- 
ing on a mass of molding leaves, and this was 
drawn aside and examined. 

Here was the first real clue. A bit of paper, 
evidently a page from a scrap book, which showed 
faint traces of writing. Parts were entirely eaten 
away, and after a time the following words were 
deciphered : 



EEMARKABLE DISCOVERY 171 


‘‘Escaped during the night 
tains lyas have Rogers 

faithful 


miles wes 
right 


(Signed) 


roman^’ 


The German letters contained no information, 
excepting the name “Johan,” to which they were 
addressed, and were signed, “Matilda,” all dated 
during the year 1911. 

“One of these men was a white or Caucasian, 
and the other was, undoubtedly, an aborigine, as 
the skull formation clearly indicates. I am satis- 
fied that this one was a native,” remarked the Pro- 
fessor, after he had made an extended examina- 
tion. 

“This letter may be an interesting one to de- 
cipher,” said Blakely, as he went over the contents 
again and again. “It seems to me that the part 
of the word ‘lyas’ has reference to the ‘Iliyas,’ and 
‘tains’ is part of the word ‘mountains.’ Probably, 
it would read, if properly reconstructed, ‘west of 
the mountains.’ ” 

“Yes, and the space between ‘night’ and ‘miles’ 
refers to the number of miles,” added Ralph. 

“It is remarkable that we should find evidences 
of the work of the Iliyas at the extreme west- 
ern part of the island, when they are living 
near the eastern border,” remarked the Profes- 
sor. 

“I take it,” answered Blakely, “that this letter 
was transmitted to the man here, and was writ- 
ten by some one, and conveyed, in all probability, 
by this native.” 

“That is a reasonable supposition. The word 


172 


THE CONQUEST 

Taithfur may have reference to him/^ responded 
the Professor, after some reflection. 

^‘Well, we can do no more than give them a de- 
cent burial,” said Blakely. 

^Tt will be a difficult task to do that, as we 
have no tolls, and it would be necessaiy to carry 
the bones a distance in order to inter them. If 
the boys will gather up a quantity of stones we 
can make a covering for them against the wall, 
within one of the coves.” 

This suggestion was carried out, and the bones 
deposited beneath a mound, and after gathering 
up the various articles they descended the vine 
ladder and made a hurried trip to the river. 

Unity was reached as it was growing dark to 
learn that two messengers from John had reached 
them during their absence, detailing the sighting 
of the Ulyas’ village, which was estimated to be 
five miles west of the mountains. 

It was singular how this information seemed to 
supply the missing word in the mysterious mes- 
sage found with the skeleton on the hill. The Pro- 
fessor at once made a copy of the letter, and for- 
warded it by messenger to John. In the letter he 
detailed the information of the finding of the mes- 
sage, and he had hopes that they might be able 
to find some traces of the people mentioned in the 
letter. 

While awaiting the return of Muro, John made 
a complete examination of the Ulyas’ village, en- 
circling it to get its full position, and thus enable 
him to devise the best mode to attack, if it should 
be found necessary to do so. 


EEMARKABLE DISCOVERY 173 


He was astounded to note the character of the 
buildings. They had been the work of white men, 
it was evident. 

Muro, with the boys, and the wagons came in 
sight before ten o’clock, to the intense relief of 
John. He suspected the cause of the delay. 

^AVe had a lively brush with them, for a while,” 
said Harry, ‘‘but we had no fear at any time.” 

“Harry is right about that, but I want to tell 
you we have a different class of fighters to deal 
with than anything we have experienced so far,” 
added George. “Why our • fire didn’t seem to 
frighten them a bit, and they adopted the regular 
Indian plan of getting behind trees and brush.” 

“What kind of a town is thatf’ asked Harry, 
as he took the first glimpse of the place through 
the trees.” 

“Something different in that line, too, as well as 
in the fighting,” answered John, as he smiled at 
the question. 

“How big a town is itf’ asked George. 

“I judge, from its size, that there must be fully 
a thousand natives there, but they are keeping 
pretty close. Do you see the line of breastworks 
all around the place?” 

The boys were astonished at what they saw. 
No wonder the other tribes hesitated to attack 
them. 

The two warriors captured by Muro were 
brought before John, after he had made a survey 
of the place, and by the aid of Hraso one of them 
was instructed to carry information as to their 
intention to the Iliyas. 


174 


THE CONQUEST 

This was to the effect that in the event no reply 
was received before noon no other effort would 
be made to open communications. It was distinct^ 
ly impressed on the warrior that the Iliyas must 
give up all the captives, and that an agreement 
must be entered into by them not to leave their 
own boundaries in the future, and John also of- 
fered protection and a safe return of any messen- 
ger who might be sent hack with the answer. 

The captive was released, and, bounding for- 
ward, was soon within the line of earthworks 
which surrounded the village. The message gave 
a full two hours for them to decide. There was 
not a sign of an Iliyas until near the time limit, 
when the same one which conveyed their message 
was noticed approaching the line of the allies. 

He came directly to John, and conveyed this in- 
formation : 

“The chiefs do not intend to do as the White 
Chief says. They are entitled to the captives, and 
intend to keep them. If the village is attacked the 
white chiefs and the tribes will be destroyed. We 
do not fear him and his fire weapons.’’ 

John motioned to the warrior to depart. For a 
moment he looked at John in amazement. Judg- 
ing the actions of the white man by the ethics of 
the savage, such a message would have meant his 
death. He glanced around stealthily. 

Uraso saw why he hesitated, and remarked to 
him: “You are free to go. No one will injure you, 
because the White Chief has given his word to 
protect you. He is not like the Iliyas. He does 
not lie.” 


CHAPTEE XIV 


THE SUEPEISE AND CAPTUEE OF THE ILLYAS’ STEONG- 
HOLD 

John smiled, as he saw with what satisfaction 
ITraso gave him this parting shot. Still he hesi- 
tated. 

Uraso went np to him, and he started back. 
‘‘You need not fear me because we will keep our 
word. Say to your chiefs that Uraso tells them 
they are fools. The Ulyas cannot succeed. They 
will be crushed and their villages taken. Your 
village is surrounded, and you cannot get aid from 
your other villages. Go and tell them that we 
shall not again ask them to treat with us.” 

This address assured him and he first marched 
along carefully, and soon made his way with celer- 
ity to the village. The Ulyas were, unquestion- 
ably, as much surprised as the messenger at the 
treatment he had received. It was so rmlike all 
former experiences. 

During John’s investigations he had discovered 
that the approach to the village on the east side 
offered the best chance for a rush, as the character 
of the ground was better suited to go up close to 
the line of works, and from that point a better 
view was obtained of the interior of the village. 

A movement during the daytime would disclose 
his motives, and he therefore advised Uraso and 
Muro of his plans, and suggested that as they 
175 


176 


THE CONQUEST 

would be able to mass the troops better during 
the night, the attack should be delayed until early 
morning. 

‘‘During the day we will make a great show of 
putting up a line of works to deceive them into the 
idea that we intend to attack from this side. Dur- 
ing the early morning we will take three-fourths 
of the force and steal around to the east, and 
attack them with a rush.” 

“But suppose they rush out in this direction?” 
asked Muro. 

“We must keep a sufficient force here to hold 
them in check, and, if necessary, to rush in from 
this quarter ; and I would like to have you hold the 
ones left for that purpose.” 

Muro was delighted at the position assigned 
him, and thought he saw the slightest bit of feel- 
ing on the part of Uraso ; but this was soon quelled 
when John took Uraso aside and said: “I want 
you with me, as you know how to handle and direct 
the men.” 

“I have no right to feel offended because you 
have given Muro this post. He is the best man.” 

“He is no better than you, but you are better 
than he for the position required when the charge 
is made.” 

This was, really, true. John knew the capacities 
of each. Muro was a better tactician, but Uraso 
had a much better hold on the affections of the 
warriors, and he was a fearless and intrepid 
fighter. 

The boys could not help admiring the fine situ- 


CAPTUEE OF THE STRONGHOLD 177 

ation of the village, and the imposing appearance 
of the town. 

‘^See that building facing this way? It has pil- 
lars ditferent from the building to the left. Why 
do you suppose they made them .unlike?^’ was 
George’s query, as they sat in the wagon with 
John during the afternoon waiting for night to 
come. 

“I suppose they wanted to put in the different 
kinds of architecture, simply as a freak, or for 
some other purpose that I have not yet settled 
in my mind. If I am not mistaken there are at 
least three different orders of architecture repre- 
sented in the buildings. On the other side of the 
town you can see another building, somewhat 
smaller than the one to the left, which has still 
different columns.” 

“I imagine the one fronting us is the main build- 
ing. What order does that belong to?” 

‘^That is a Doric front. It had its origin in the 
log hut, which was called Dorus.” 

‘‘How many kinds of architecture are there?” 

“There are five distinct orders, as they are 
called.” 

“What are those besides the Doric?” 

“The Ionic, the Corinthian, the Tuscan and the 
Composite.” 

“What is that building to the left?” 

“That is distinctly Ionic.” 

“I don’t see much difference from the Doric,” 
remarked Harry. 

“The distinction is very marked. The Ionic is 


178 


THE CONQUEST 

proportioned to the dimensions of a man, and has 
the delicacy of the human figure.” 

“Yes; I can see that now. Has the proportion 
anything to do with the order?” 

“The Tuscan is distinguished by the fact that 
the column is usually made seven times the diam- 
eter of the lower part of the shaft in height.” 

“But I notice that the ones shown in the two 
buildings don’t appear to be very much different 
in proportions.” 

“No, for the reason that the distinctive features 
between the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian pertain 
to the capitals. Notice how exceedingly simple the 
Doric is. I am sorry there are not other examples 
present, but I shall make some sketches to show 
the differences which are marked.” 

“I have heard more about the Corinthian than 
any other kind.” 

“That order is the most beautiful of all, and for 
that reason is so frequently referred to by writers. 
It is designed to represent the delicacy of a young 
girl. The capital is the most ornamental of all 
the orders, and it is also larger and much more 
showy.” 

“But you have not yet described the Compo- 
site.” 

“The Composite or Koman, is the Ionic grafted 
on the Corinthian. From this you will see that 
not only the general form, but also the proportion 
and the ornamentation, go to make up the various 
orders. To illustrate : The Ionic has, as one fea- 
ture, two scroll-like ornaments, called volutes, and 
it has more moldings and is much more slender 


CAPTUEE OF THE STEONGHOLD 179 

than the Doric. To make the Composite there is 
borrowed the quarter round molding (A) from the 
Tuscan; the leaves (B) from the Corinthian, and 
the volutes (C) from the Ionic.’’ 

During the night all preparations were made 
for a quick transfer of the main force to the east. 



:/9. 0?'d€7-^ of tec 7 'q, . 


Works were thrown up very ostentatiously during 
the afternoon, in their position on the west of the 
village, and it was obvious to the trained eye of 
John, who was constantly observing the movement 
in the village, that they were bringing the war- 
riors to the side facing these preparations. 

John, together with Muro and Uraso, crept up 




180 THE CONQUEST 

close to the line of breastworks, during the night, 
and satisfied themselves the Iliyas were deceived 
as to the point of attack. 

Shortly before four in the morning the warriors 
marched out, making a wide detour to the right, 
and within an hour were close to the east line, and 
carefully concealed. The plan was for the men 
under Muro to commence the attack, as soon as it 
was light enough to see plainly, and the firing of 
four guns was to be the order for the rush on the 
part of the main force. 

All awaited the signal with impatience. Soon 
the firing was heard, and instantaneously, as 
though expecting it, the Iliyas were seen rushing 
through the village to the western line. 

John gave the word. To approach close to the 
breastworks without firing a gun, and not to dis- 
charge a single piece until they were w^ell within 
the fortified line. 

The entire force moved forward at the shots. 
The line of entrenchments was reached, and John, 
with Uraso by his side, was the first to leap over. 
They halted fifty feet beyond the ridge, to allow 
the warriors to come in and form the line, those 
having the guns in front. 

With a shout, the allies bounded forward, with- 
holding their fire until the command should be 
given. The Iliyas up to this time were principally 
arranged along the w^estern wall, discharging their 
arrows at the force under Muro. 

The appearance of the allies within the walls 
w^as such a terrible surprise that all semblance of 


CAPTUEE OF THE STEONGHOLD 181 

order was lost in their ranks. They began to scat- 
ter. Uraso shouted out in stentorian tones: 

‘‘Throw down your arms, or we will fire. Sur- 
render and you will not be killed.’^ 

John and the front line were now alongside of 
the second building, the one described by him as 
having the columns of the Ionic order, which had 
interested the boys so much. 

Notwithstanding the excitement of the moment, 
Harry could not help looking at the building with 
its tawdry and crumbling columns, and in doing so 
espied a half dozen peculiarly garbed Iliyas rush- 
ing out and attempting to escape to the north along 
the narrow street. 

Calling a dozen warriors, he, with George, made 
a rush after the escaping fugitives, and before the 
limit of the village was reached they were sur- 
rounded and carried back. 

The Iliyas warriors were now in a panic. There 
seemed to be no one to order a surrender or a re- 
treat. John ordered Uraso to have his men spread 
out to prevent escape in either direction, and as 
he turned to execute the order, Harry and George 
returned with the prisoners. 

At the sight of the captives Uraso shouted the’ 
order to his men, and quickly turning to John, 
who was slightly in the advance, cried out : “Here 
are the chief and his principal advisers.” 

John turned to look and noticed that they were 
surrounded by the men in charge of Harry and 
George. 

“Good work,” he said. “Demand that he tell 


182 THE CONQUEST 

his men to surrender.” And Uraso repeated the 
message. 

The chief saw the situation, but refused to give 
the order. 

^‘Then we shall have to kill them, and unless 
you surrender we shall attack at once.” 

He had hardly finished the words when Muro, 
seeing the condition of affairs, left their fortress, 
and rushing forward scaled the low entrenchments, 
directing a volley into the now thoroughly dis- 
organized and excited warriors. The entire body 
of Iliyas had seen the capture of their chiefs. 

The appearance of the chiefs at the head of the 
column commanded by John made his position 
safe from attack. Whether the chief refused to 
comply with Uraso’s demand from stubbornness, 
or because he was paralyzed at the sudden changes 
from his fancied security, was not apparent at the 
time. 

The warriors now advanced with guns ready for 
a volley, and the chief saw that resistance was 
useless. He held up his hand as a signal. John 
rushed forward toward the oncoming warriors 
led by Muro, and the latter, seeing the chief in the 
hands of Uraso, ordered his men to halt. 

Meanwhile the forces under Uraso had spread 
out and were approaching the halting warriors, 
who, one by one, threw down their bows, and, as 
they did so, were marched to the open central part 
of the village and surrounded by the men led by 
Muro on one side and Uraso on the other. John 
rushed back to the cordon surrounding the chiefs. 


CAPTUEE OF THE STEONGHOLD 183 

Up to this time not the sign of a woman or a 
child had been seen. But when order was finally 
restored and the defenseless warriors were herded 
together as compactly as possible, the huts sur- 
rounding the main buildings were opened, as by 
magic, and the women poured forth wailing and 
shrieking. 

It was bedlam let loose. They pictured all the 
terrors of captivity. They knew what it meant. 
They passed around the cordon beating their 
breasts, and shrieking like demoniacs. John, mo- 
tioning to Muro and Uraso, stepped aside, and 
ordered the chiefs to follow. 

‘^This is the building they came out of,” said 
George quietly to John. 

^‘Then it will be a good place to hold the con- 
ference. Uraso, instruct your men not to allow 
anyone to leave his place within the circle, and then 
attend the conference with us.” 

The guards followed John as he entered the 
building. The boys were eager to see the interior. 
Once within they saw a dozen women and twice 
that number of children huddled together in one 
of the rooms. The entrance from the main door in 
front led directly into a hall, and at the rear end 
of the hall was a large room the entire width of 
the building. 

Several smaller rooms were on each side of the 
hall. It was, to all appearance, arranged like an 
American or European dwelling, the entire inte- 
rior being finished in wood, but in a terribly dilapi- 
dated condition. 


184 THE CONQUEST 

The surprise was still greater when they found 
in the interior of the great room a number of arti- 
cles of furniture, such as chairs, tables, settees, 
and articles which, in their younger days, might 
have been rugs. Parts of bedsteads were littered 
around, broken articles of furniture were scattered 
here and there, and everywhere the place was lav- 
ish with dirt. 

The boys had seen many native places where 
filth had accumulated, but the atmosphere seemed 
to fairly reek. It appeared so to the boys, who had 
lived so much in the open, and who had such vivid 
imaginations that the wrecked condition of the 
interior suggested a worse atmosphere than there 
really was. 

It was not close or confined, that was certain; 
for the places which once, evidently, had windows, 
did not contain even the suggestion of glass. It 
was one mass of broken, misplaced, jumbled up 
belongings, that would require the rebus manager 
of a magazine to assemble in order. 

When Uraso returned, and the chiefs were 
placed before them, the boys had an opportunity 
to study the famous chief of the Iliyas. They 
took occasion to compare him with the others, for 
the boys now knew all of them. 

He was a man, probably sixty years of age, 
with the most curious headdress, which was 
worked to imitate, somewhat, the crown, to which 
his position entitled him. He wore a brightly col- 
ored mantle, if it could be called such, for it was 
simply thrown over one shoulder, and its pendant 


CxYPTUEE OF THE STEONGHOLD 185 


ends were bound to tbe waist by a wide 
girdle. 

He wore short trousers, or pantalets, and Harry 
could hardly keep from laughing, as George sug- 
gested that he was ultra-English in the way his 
trousers were rolled up. He had the face of a 
man of authority. His every action and look be- 
tokened one who knew his authority, and the first 
question, together with the imperious manner of 
uttering it, indicated that he was a king, and he 
knew it. 

He looked at tJraso and Muro, both chiefs, and 
equal to him in rank. He did it with such an 
imperious air as plainly indicated that he con- 
sidered them his inferiors. Uraso and Muro stood 
there, with arms folded, dignified, and returned 
his gaze with a dignity that won Hie admiration 
of the boys. 

‘T wonder how Uraso and Muro feel now, when 
they have that old devil at their mercy?” George 
whispered to Harry. 

When the circle had been arranged the chief, 
Oroto, addressed John in this terse manner: 

“What do you want ?” 

The question came like a shot. It was the first 
word he had said. Neither of the others had asked 
for information, nor had they deigned to notice 
him, as they were marching to the council cham- 
ber. This neglect on the part of Muro and Uraso 
may have nettled him. The attitude of the chiefs 
plainly irritated him. 


186 


THE CONQUEST 

It is well known that people of this kind are 
very sensitive to slights, or what they consider so. 
It is jnst as likely that the two chiefs purposely 
neglected him in that manner to make the humilia- 
tion the more complete. 


CHAPTEE XV 

THE EESCUE OF FIVE CAPTIVES 

The question for tlae moment nettled John. 
Here was a prisoner, powerless in his hands, im- 
periously demanding of his captors what they 
wanted. It may not have occurred to him that 
such a question was out of place. 

John drew himself up, and with that piercing 
glance which he could give, leaned forward, and 
slowly, hut with terrible emphasis, answered: 
^^Nothing.” 

It was now the chiefs turn to show a look of 
surprise. He looked at John, and his eyes wan- 
dered to Uraso and Muro. Neither indicated the 
slightest curiosity at the answer. Not another 
word was said as John kept his eye on the chief. 

Then seeing that he had a different kind of 
creature to deal with than any he had heretofore 
met, addressed John in an entirely different tone 
of voice : 

‘^Why have you captured me and my warriors, 
and why do you intend to destroy my village and 
take my women and children?” 

^^Because that is what you have been doing all 
your life. We do not ask you to give us anything. 
We have taken everything you have and shall not 
ask you for permission in anything we do. We 
have no desire to injure you or your people, and 
whether we shall do so will depend on your ac- 
187 


188 THE CONQUEST 

tion. If you will give us certain information it 
may make it easier for you, but if you do not tell 
us it will go bard with you/^ 

^T am ready to listen.” 

‘^Did you receive the messenger I sent you three 
days ago?” 

. “Yes.” 

“What did he tell you?” 

“That you intended to kill me and my people.” 

“Did he not tell you that we did not want war, 
hut peace, but that you must give up the captives 
you had?” 

“No.” 

“Send out for that warrior,” John ordered, as 
he glanced at Oroto. 

Muro accompanied one of the sub-chiefs, and 
in a few moments returned with him. He came 
in with face hanging down. 

He was placed before John. “YHiy did you 
lie to the chief?” 

The savage was mute. He cast an appealing 
glance at his chief, but the latter did not notice 
him. 

Addressing Uraso, John said: “Take this man 
out and beat him. He must be punished for 
lying.” 

George called in several of the warriors, who 
were instructed to carry out the decree. In the 
meantime Uraso called John aside, and stated 
that the poor fellow had undoubtedly told the 
truth, but the chief had lied. 

“I suspected that,” answered John. “I do not 
want the man beaten, so that you may go and 


EESCUE OP FIVE CAPTIVES 189 


stop the execution of it, but do not let the chief 
know that the order was not carried out.” 

‘‘Did you get a second message from me yester- 
day through one of your own warriors 

“Yes.” 

“VTiat did he tell you?” 

“He said that you had declared war against 
me and my people and would kill all of us and 
take our women and children into captivity.” 

“Did he not tell you that we came to make terms 
of friendship, and that all we wanted was the 
captives which you wrongfully held?” 

“No.” 

“Bring in that warrior.” 

Uraso went out with one of the sub-chiefs, and 
when he appeared addressed him sharply: 

“Vvliy did you lie to your chief, and not tell 
him what I told you? Answer me.” 

The chief merely glanced at the wretch, and 
the latter bowed his head. The question was re- 
peated, and he was told that he would be pro- 
tected against the fury of his chief if he would 
tell the truth. As he was about to reply the 
chief merely glanced at him, and his lips were 
sealed. 

“Take him out and beat him as severely as you 
have beaten the other. These people must be 
taught to learn that they should not lie.” 

Uraso understood John’s look, and acted ac- 
cordingly. He was taken out, but was not beaten. 

Turning to the chief, and acting on the infor- 
mation imparted by Uraso, he startled Oroto by 
the following question: 


190 


THE CONQUEST 

“Why did you lie to me and allow your war- 
riors to be beaten 

The question stunned him for a moment. John 
did not permit him time to frame an excuse. 

“You lied to me when you stated that they had 
told you the things you said, and I know it. You 
are deserving of the same punishment as those 
who were wrongfully beaten. Take him out and 
see that he is punished as he deserves.” 

This judgment against the august one was like 
a death pall on the ears of the sub-chiefs. The 
chief trembled; his footsteps, theretofore so sup- 
ple, were trembling, and he held out his hands 
for support. 

The enormity of this punishment to a chief by 
whipping is the most disgraceful thing that can 
happen. The person of a chief must not be de- 
filed by a rod, which is intended only for children 
and for offenses committed by the unruly mem- 
bers of a tribe. 

The procession filed out, and John hurriedly 
called Uraso and Muro to his side, explaining in 
a whisper that they should intercede to prevent 
the punishment. 

The excitement of the surrounded warriors was 
intense, as the word was circulated that their 
great chief had judgment pronounced against him, 
and was to be publicly whipped. 

As they were proceeding across the open space, 
Uraso and Muro, in well simulated tones, begged 
that John should forego the punishment, but he 
refused to comply until they had reached the 
place selected. 


EESCUE OF FIVE CAPTIVES 191 


John advanced to him and said: ^‘Yonr friends, 
Mnro and Saboro, have begged me not to inflict 
the punishment for lying; I have decided not to 
do so at this time, as I am guided by their judg- 
ment, and I know they are wise. Instead, you 
and your chiefs must come with me and see the 
Great White Chief, and he may order that you 
shall not be punished.’’ 

This statement that he was not the Great White 
Chief was another piece of news that he could not 
understand. 

‘^And now, I want to know where you have the 
captives f ’ 

He hesitated. He looked at Muro and Uraso 
in a different manner this time. Uraso quietly 
spoke to him: “You cannot escape the vigilance 
of the white man. The wonderful Are guns can 
kill all of your people. You do not know what 
you are doing in trying to resist him. If you do 
not tell him he will find them, and then I cannot 
plead for you.” 

The chief, turning to one of the sub-chiefs, said : 
“^ama will take you to them.” 

The boys jumped as they learned the import of 
these words. They looked at John. The latter 
turned to the chief and said: 

“How far are they from this place?” 

The distance was indicated by signs, which 
Uraso interpreted to mean two hours. 

“Bring in the wagons at once, and unload one 
of them; then take the other, with twenty-five 
men well armed, and carry Sama with you. The 
poor fellows are not, probably, in a condition to 


192 


THE CONQUEST 

walk.” Then, again turning to the chief, he 
asked: ‘‘How many prisoners have you?” 

He held up his hand with fingers outstretched, 
indicating five. There was no delay in preparing 
the wagon, and Jack and Jill, the two old trust- 
worthies, were hustled along, to show the path of 
freedom to some of the boys’ former companions 
and associates. 

John’s last injunction was : “Be sure and take 
plenty of food along.” The order was unneces- 
sary. The boys had thought of this, and the wagon 
held precious little but articles of comfort for the 
unfortunates. 

Sama directed the wagon to the north, and 
Muro’s son Lolo accompanied them on the jour- 
ney. 

“Do you know,” said Harry, “we are going 
straight toward the Cataract?” 

“I had quite forgotten that,” answered George. 
“How I would like to go back again to the dear 
old place !” 

“I have just been thinking, what a wonderful 
life we have had since we landed here. We had 
nothing when we came, and now we have every- 
thing!” 

“Yes,” answered George; and he stopped, while 
his eyes took on a blurry feeling, and the lashes 
began to blink at an alarming rate. “All but 
home !” 

Harry looked at George. There was an infec- 
tion, which he caught. 

“Of course; I mean that, too. But we haven’t 
lost them. When this business here is settled we 


EESCUE OF FIVE CAPTIVES 193 


are to go to work on the big vessel. When I 
think of that it eases my mind.^^ 

‘'That is the great comfort to me, too. It makes 
me happy when I think of the joy we are bringing 
to the people here. I really love every foot of 
this island. It has been a wonderful experience 
to ns.’’ 

“And,” responded Harry, “to think that we have 
aided in restoring so many to freedom; John and 
Blakely, and the four boys, and — I wonder who 
the ones are that we are going after now!” 

“That is what I have been thinking about all 
along. But did you ever see such bricks as Uraso 
and Muro!” 

Lolo had learned many things in the short ten 
days that he had been with them. The boys had 
attained a remarkable knowledge of the language, 
and Lolo was a constant instructor for them. He 
was so simple and unaffected in his ways that 
they grew to love him. 

Within two hours the location of the village was 
sighted. It was distinctly noticed among the 
trees, perched on a hillside, and the excitement 
of the boys was intense. Stut was in charge of 
the warriors. 

Before the village was reached several warriors 
belonging to the Iliyas appeared, but fell back 
when they saw what was approaching. Stut 
directed Sama to inform them that they had come 
at the command of Oroto. 

This information did not satisfy them, but the 
wagon did not stop. As it moved up the incline, 
the warriors lined up, fully twenty of them, won- 


194 THE CONQUEST 

dering what the strange visit meant. There was 
no act of hostility apparent, still they could not 
understand why there were no Iliyas present ex- 
cept Sama. 

‘^Take us direct to the captives,” commanded 
Stut. 

Sama knew where they were. A typical native 
hut, but much larger than the others, stood behind 
the main homes of the village. To that the wagon 
was directed. 

The warriors on Stut^s command lined up be- 
hind the wagon, and the boys, accompanied by 
Lolo, rushed for the door. It was but the work 
of a moment to wrench the bars away, and with- 
out waiting for any ceremony George and Harry 
were inside. 

The scene that met their eyes was appalling. 
The five captives were in a pitiful state. Two 
of the three boys were lying on filthy hay, and 
one man, also badly emaciated, was on the other 
side, lying down. 

The boy who was still on his feet rushed to 
Harry and threw his arms about him. ^Ts that 
you, Harry? Thank God! And George, too. 
Where did you come from ?” 

“Who is this?” came like a moan from one of 
the boys. George stooped down. “Harry, here 
is Eobert — Kobert Lamson; and who are you?” 
And he crawled on his knees over to the other, 
who feebly turned his eyes. 

Lamson turned to Harry, who was now on his 
knees. “You know Min, don’t you?” Min was 


EESCUE OF FIVE CAPTIVES 195 


the nickname of one of the hoys, because of his 
diminutive size. 

^Toor Min!’’ said Harry, as he put his arm 
around him. “We will get you out of this at 
once.” 

“But we are so hungry,” cried Eobert, as the 
tears streamed down his face. 

The boys were all crying now. The tears 
streaked their faces. Lolo was very much af- 
fected, but he was a jewel in this emergency. 
He called to Stut, and together they carried out 
Eobert, and Harry, with his strong arms, lifted 
Min as though he was a feather. 

They were carried to the wagon, and tenderly 
laid on the clean, sweet hay. Poor Min had 
fainted with the excitement, and Eobert was not 
much better. But who were the men? 

When Harry returned to the hut he found the 
warriors around one of the men, talking excitedly. 
He was a Saboro, and Stut recognized him as 
one of his people, who, it was believed, had been 
sacrificed long before. The other was a white 
man, and he was lying in a sort of stupor, appar- 
ently not recognizing his visitors. 

Harr^^ spoke to him, and at the strange voice 
he turned his head, and with an effort raised him- 
self. “Who is this? Whafido you want? Is that 
you, Eogers?” and he fell back exhausted. 

The still active boy, Eoy Whitten, came up, and 
said: “He was here when we were brought to 
the place. His name is Gustave Wright. He has 
a wonderful story to tell.” 


196 THE CONQUEST 

^‘What is the matter with him I Was he 
wounded 

^‘Yes ; but he is over that now. The trouble is 
that he is starved, like the rest of us. Can’t we 
have something to eatf’ 

“George is getting it ready for you. You must 
eat sparingly at first. George will attend to that, 
never mind.” 

The Saboro was in better physical condition 
than the others of the party. There was no time 
for talk. The captives were fed sparingly. “Oh, 
how good this tastes!” said Eobert. “We had 
given up all hope, after they brought us here. 
We tried so hard to get away and go to the north- 
east side of the island, where some white people 
are living.” 

Harry dragged Eobert out of the hut, and called 
to George. “Here, George, did you hear what he 
said? How did you know there were white peo- 
ple in the northeast part of the island?” 

“We saw it on a litter, which the Iliyas brought 
into their other village.” 

Harry looked at George. “That was the litter 
we made at the Cataract, and on which we carried 
out the Kurabu. I wonder how the Iliyas got 
hold of it?” 

“Where is the Cataract?” asked Eobert. 

“That is at the northeast part of the island. 
That was our home.” 

“But don’t you live there now?” 

“No ; we live in a big town at the southwest part 
of the island.” 

“But this is so wonderful to us. Just you two 


EESCUE OF FIVE CAPTIVES 197 


boys, and all the savages. How did yon man- 
age it?” 

^^But we are not alone. The Professor has been 
with us, and we have Mr. Varney, and we rescued 
a Mr. Blakely, and four of the Investigator’s 
boys.” 

“The Professor — the Professor, and Varney? 
Eogers spoke about Varney. Do you mean the 
professor of philosophy that you used to be so 
chummy with?” 

“Yes,” answered Harry, eagerly. “But let us 
get busy now.” Stut had rounded up the warriors, 
and through Sama informed them that they were 
wanted at the village. 

The women were in consternation, but Stut in- 
formed them that no harm would befall the men. 
Up to this time Stut had not permitted Sama 
to give any information about the situation at 
the village, but he now turned to the waiting war- 
riors, and said: 

“The Great White Chief and all the tribes have 
united, and have taken the Iliyas chief and all his 
people prisoners, and all their women and chil- 
dren are now captives. The Iliyas have not acted 
right and the chiefs must now go to the Great 
Chief and show that he is sorry, and that he 
will not again try to take captives, and will not 
make sacrifices.” 

Without waiting for a moment, the train started 
back for the Iliyas’ village. It is wonderful how 
the stimulating influence of surroundings will 
build up and strengthen the depressed. The poor 
boys, emaciated as they were, had smiles and tears. 


198 THE CONQUEST 

as they heard little snatches of experiences from 
the boys. 

^‘We are telling yon these things, but we are 
simply crazy to hear your stories. But they will 
keep. Let ns do the talking now. Yon will be 
all right in a day or two.” 

The boys’ eyes were kept on the vessels con- 
taining the food. Time and again George wonld 
shake his head as one or the other tried to get 
another ^^bite.” The liqnid food was the first ad- 
ministered. The jonrney back took mnch longer, 
becanse Harry wonld not hnrry the animals over 
the rough roads with the patients in their low 
condition. 

When the wagon and the train of warriors ar- 
rived at the village, the only thing the boys saw 
were the warriors of the allies. The captives 
were in the bnildings, and were gnarded on all 
sides. 


CHAPTER XVI 


EEMAKKABLE GKOWTH OF UNITY 

^‘We haven’t heard from John for two days. 
I wonder if they have met with any difficulties f’ 
asked WilL as they were together the evening 
after their trip to the hill and forest. 

^^John is very prudent, and a man of very ex- 
tensive knowledge as a campaigner. If they had 
met any disaster we should have known of it 
before this.” 

^AVe ought to have had a telegraph line. That 
would keep us in touch with the army,” added 
Jim. 

“Wireless telegraphy would be still better,” re- 
sponded Tom. 

“But how about wireless telephones?” 

“And if wireless telephones, why not wireless 
power?” 

The Professor smiled, as one suggestion after 
the other was made. The other boys smiled, too, 
at Jim’s last suggestion that power might be 
transmitted by wireless. 

“That is going a little too far,” said Will. “I 
can understand why sounds can be sent, but power 
is another thing, it seems to me.” 

“I am afraid that is not a very logical conclu- 
sion,” interposed the Professor. “What is the 
difference between sound and power?” 

199 


200 


THE CONQUEST 

“I should say that sound is a motion in the air/^ 
replied Will, '‘and that power is motion ” 

"In the air, too,’’ continued the Professor. 
"That is not a very good definition of the matter. 
Let us try and make it clear. Sound is produced 
by vibration ; the lowest number of vibrations the 
ear can distinguish, is sixteen per second, which 
is known as the low bass notes of an organ. The 
highest are, approximately, 12,000 per second. 
These vibrations require power to produce them.” 

"Do you mean to say ;liat all vibrations require 
power ?” 

"Yes ; nature speaks to us only in the form of 
motion, or vibrations of some sort. Light, heat, 
electricity, are merely different forms of motion. 
Taste and smell, as well as sound, are merely 
modes of motion. The beating heart; the wink- 
ing of the eyelids ; the rhythmic breathing of the 
body; the swinging of the pendulum; the move- 
ment of the sap in trees and the unfolding of the 
leaves ; the light mists which go up and the rains 
which bring the particles back again; the winds 
and the waves ; and the giant swings of the planets 
through space, all show how nature performs her 
work through unceasing movement ; and all these 
require power.” 

"I remember,” remarked Ealph, "about reading 
of a Hindoo fakir in India, who claimed that he 
could bring to him an object ten thousand miles 
away, in ten minutes of time. As that was mo- 
tion it must have taken considerable power to 
do it.” 

"That is easily determined,” answered the Pro- 


EEMAEKABLE GEOWTH OF UNITY 201 

lessor. “Ten thousand miles would be 16.6 miles 
per second, at that velocity. If the article should 
he only one inch square it would take 18,000,000 
horsepower to transport it that distance in the 
time given. This calculation is sufficient to show 
the absurdity of the Hindoo^s statement.’^ 

Considering that the new community was one 
which had been recruited from a people which 
had no ambition in life, except merely to live, the 
work going on in every quarter was more remark- 
able every day. Tom came to the Professor and 
remarked: “It would do you good to go down 
on street B and see how the Saboros have fixed 
up their places.” 

This was a sufficient hint for him, and busy as 
he was, he sauntered in that direction. 

What he saw was, really, a surprise. Taking 
the hint from the sodding operation which the 
women had noticed around the boys’ quarters, he 
found that they had actually borrowed the wheel- 
barrows and made some nice lawns. 

The Professor called in at the places, and con- 
gratulated them on the beautiful appearances, and 
the nice manner in which the work was done. 
What a wonderful thing that was to those poor 
women, to see the Great Chief take such notice 
of their work. 

He went into the cottages, and examined every 
room, and suggested many changes, and offered 
advice in the manner of keeping the houses clean, 
and in taking care of the children. This work 
of beautifying their homes was, of course, crude, 
but it had a remarkable stimulus to the others. 


202 . THE CONQUEST 

On every hand this was taken np. It was a spirit 
of emulation that was worth encouraging. 

When John left with the forces, the Professor 
consulted Blakely, and ordered the erection of 
three larger and more pretentious cottages. Each 
of these had five rooms, all plain, but arranged in 
good taste, and the furniture was also being made, 
and the large number employed enabled them to 
complete the buildings ready for furnishing be- 
fore John’s party returned. 

The working force was now ready to put up a 
still larger building. ‘‘Do you know what this is^ 
forf’ asked Ealph, as the timber was being taken 
to the new location. 

“I suppose this is to be the Town Hall,” replied 
Will. 

“No, indeed; it is the schoolhouse.” And the 
boys laughed at the idea. But it was an idea that 
was well considered and determined on, long be- 
fore John left on the expedition. 

But the town was growing beyond all compre- 
hension. Daily new families arrived, and Blakely 
was the busiest man in the place, in his efforts to 
find work for them, while the Professor and the 
boys were often at their wits’ end to know how 
and where they would house them. The Saboros 
were the most numerous, followed by the Berees 
and Osagas. But now the Kurabus were coming 
in — the families of the warriors with John. 

The Chief Oroto saw and marveled at the sights. 
During the entire time he had been there, he had 
never suggested the idea of returning. The 
Kurabu medicine men who had been brought down 


EEMAEKABLE GEOWTH OF UNITY 203 


with him, were still under the charge of the Pro- 
fessor, and one day one of them accosted Ealph in 
broken English. 

He looked np in surprise. It was the first ink- 
ling that the so-called wise men were being taught 
the language. Ealph had quite a conversation 
with him, and reported the information to the 
boys. 

How was this change brought about*? The first 
step of the Professor was to show the wise (?) 
men some of the mysterious things which the white 
men could do. The battery, which the boys had 
made at Cataract, was one of the instruments. 
Then he showed them the simple experiments in 
chemistry; how ores were treated and metals ex- 
tracted and tempered. 

These things were so much more important and 
wonderful than anything they could do or ever 
dreamed of, that when he told them they could 
do those things, he had the most willing pupils. 
Hour after hour they would perform some task, 
until they began to crave for new things. Then 
began the work of instilling knowledge of the lan- 
guage as a part of their education. They were 
taught how to communicate ideas by signs in the 
English language, and thus the alphabet was 
taught. 

A spirit of rivalry was exhibited among them, 
and it was so intense that they had no further time 
for idleness or useless wanderings about the place. 
It was no wonder that the boys saw so little of 
them when the spirit once took possession of their 
energies. 


204 


THE CONQUEST 

Two of the men referred to had an undoubted 
aptitude for chemical experiments, one of them, 
Talala, being exceptionally bright and quick to 
grasp the meaning of an experiment. He usually 
accompanied the Professor on all his rounds visit- 
ing the sick, because this was now an imperative 
daily task on his part. 

The thermometer was in frequent use and 
Talala understood its meaning. Only the sim- 
plest remedies were used and administered, and 
the gathering of the vegtables necessary for the 
making up of the remedies was a part of the 
work of each. In this the natives had a pretty 
good knowledge, but they knew nothing of making 
the extracts, or how to concentrate the compounds. 

Cinchona, the Peruvian bark, and calisaya, its 
sister, which furnish the quinine of commerce, 
were well known to them, hut they did not know 
how the white man made it so more efficient than 
the crude product as used by them. 

He explained that by the use of an acid, like 
that furnished by surphur, a chemical change 
could he produced, whereby a single grain would 
he more efficient than a dozen grains in the way 
they used it. This was labeled ^/Sulphate of Qui- 
nine,” and so on along the whole line of remedies, 
he gave a term which they learned, and the rea- 
sons for it. 

When John saw the wagon approaching he 
rushed out, followed by Uraso and Muro. The 
rescued captives were in the wagon. Pending 
their arrival a number of the warriors had cleaned 
out the large building — the one with the Doric 


EEMAEKABLE GEOWTH OF UNITY 205 


columns, which stood at right angles to the chief’s 
house. This structure appeared to he in the best 
state of preservation. 

Another lot of the warriors took the wagon, 
and with their bolos gathered a large quantity 
of the sweet grass from the hillside, and this was 
brought to the building and arranged for the use 
of the chiefs and John, and for the boys when 
they returned. 

George was eager to tell of their adventure, and 
of the prisoners they had brought with them. 
^AYe got three of the boys, but two of them are 
very weak. We have a friend of yours, also.” 

“Who is itf’ exclaimed John, just as eager as 
the boys could be. 

“Wright; Gustave Wright.” 

John bounded into the wagon. Wright saw 
John, and feebly extended his hand. 

“I knew I would find you sooner or later,” said 
John, as he put his arm around him. “But we 
got you soon enough to save you. All you need 
is something good to eat.” And Wright smiled. 

“Yes,” he answered. “They haven’t permitted 
me to take much so far; but I guess they are all 
right. What a fine set of boys you have!” 

“The finest in the world. Wait until you know 
them ! But never mind about talking now. And 
these are the boys I Poor fellows! What an 
experience they must have had ! Come on, men ; 
get them out and make them as comfortable as 
possible.” 

There were willing hands for every job. Muro 
was delighted at the rescue of his friend. He was 


206 THE CONQUEST 

one of the most skillful and powerful warriors^ 
hut he did not look like it at this time. 

Inside the patients were ranged about the place, 
and the cooking stove brought in from the wagon. 

“I suppose I shall have to take charge of the 
kitchen,” said George, as he ordered it arranged 
in place and directed them where to put the vari- 
ous articles. Before long the savory odor of the 
vegetables and game reached the famished ones, 
and they begged for some of it. 

“A little at a time,” said George, soothingly. 
^T am doctor and cook, and there is plenty here, 
of the best kind.” 

^^Oh, doesn’t that smell good!” exclaimed Min, 
joyously. 

“That’s the way I like to hear you talk,” said 
Harry. “Your voice doesn’t seem starved. 
You’ll be out in a couple of days, and be better 
than ever.” 

“How long have you been in that place f’ asked 
John. 

“In that particular place, only about a month; 
but we were in a worse place, still farther south, 
for about three months.” 

“Starving all the time?” 

“Yes.” 

“I was moved to say that starving is a good 
thing, in its way, but it has its limits, and four 
months is a little too long for either comfort or 
health. You will find, however,” continued John, 
“that you will be much healthier for the experi- 
ence, particularly if you have ever had stomach 


EEMAEKABLE GEOWTH OF UNITY 207 

troubles, as my friend Wright here has had all 
his life. IsnT that so, Wright 

“Do you think I have been to a health curef^ 
he asked. 

“Certainly ; the best kind, for one in your condi- 
tion.” And John laughed. 

“Probably you took me away before the cure 
was effected ; but as I always was magnanimous, I 
shall forgive you this time.” 

There was a continuous fire of conversation, 
which cheered the patients, and added greatly to 
their store of knowledge. 

Harry, who had been outside, rushed in, and 
exclaimed excitedly: 

“Did you have Investigator's Lifeboat No. 3?” 

“Yes,” exclaimed the boys. 

“Who wrote the note we found in it?” 

“Did you find our boat? Where did you get 
it?” asked Eobert. 

“We found it on a river to the north of this 
place.” 

“How in the world did it ever get there?” 

“But who wrote the note?” 

“What note ?” 

“The message signed Will.” 

The boys looked at each other, as they all shook 
their heads. 

“That is one of the mysteries which George and 
I thought you could solve.” 

“Mysteries! Did you have many of them?” 

“Many of them! We had over a dozen, and 
some of them are still on the puzzle board. Do 
you remember Eaggy, the drawing teacher? He 


208 


THE CONQUEST 

always liked to call some of our drawings the 
unsolved puzzles. I wonder where he is? We 
had enough mysteries the first three months to 
supply headaches for a year.” 

‘‘We want to know about them.” 

“We’ll tell you all about them; and some were 
mighty thrilling. We had some just as exciting 
as any you ever read of in the last boys’ series 
that we had about two years ago.” 

“You see,” said George, in a sage-like tone, 
“Harry and I don’t read books of that kind any 
more; we simply act them.” And the boys, and 
men, too, laughed at this sally. 

“Stop your talking for a while and eat some- 
thing,” continued George. 

“Good, but it’s awful hot,” said Min, as he 
puckered up his mouth and drew in a breath of 
cool air. 

“I made it hot so you wouldn’t eat too fast,” 
chuckled George. 

Just then a great commotion was heard on the 
outside, and George, Harry and Eobert rushed 
for the door. Beyond the village a scrimmage 
was taking place, and a few shots were fired. 

John and Uraso were racing across the open 
place, and dozens of warriors were following. 
Muro was seen as he emerged from the combat- 
ants, and he was smiling as John came up. 

“The reinforcements from the south village 
came too late. I suspected they would be here, 
and I had a number of the men in wait for them. 
They have captured all of them.” 

John nodded his head with approval at the 


EEMAEKABLE GEOWTH OF UNITY 209 

course of Muro. The warriors brought in the 
prisoners, who were astounded at the unexpected 
welcome which awaited them. Forty-five were in 
the party. They were put under guard with the 
others. 

The utmost care was observed during the night, 
as the Ulyas were known to be very foxy, and 
half the force was detailed to keep guard. 

Early in the morning John’s first care was to 
make an investigation as to the character of the 
provisions on hand, and to arrange that foraging 
parties should be sent out to bring in vegetables. 

He was surprised to learn that the Ulyas culti- 
vated many kinds of garden products, and fruit 
was growing in abundance. This was found to he a 
prudent thing to consider, when it will be remem- 
bered that the village now had to feed over three 
hundred of the allies, and that the penned-up 
Ulyas were not in a position to go out and bring 
in the daily supply. 

The boys were fed at intervals during the night, 
but before four they all felt so much restored 
that sleep overtook them, and John advised them 
to permit sleep, as that would be the best restorer, 
and they were not disturbed until they naturally 
awoke during the forenoon. 

A plentiful supply of broth was prepared, and 
administered during the day. But Harry and 
George were simply wild to explore the buildings. 
The excitement had been too intense to enable 
them to give it much thought. But now something 
must be known about the buildings and the reason 
for their erection at that place. 


210 


THE CONQUEST 

John had questioned various ones about the 
buildings, but none seemed to know anything con- 
cerning them. Uraso and Muro were just as much 
surprised as the whites. Neither had known of 
the existence of a place with such buildings. 

It appears that the Iliyas never allowed cap- 
tives to be confined in the village, and this was a 
wise thing; because the escape of anyone would 
be sure to inform the other tribes of the existence 
of the Forbidden City. 

The remarkable thing about it, aside from the 
buildings, was the plan upon which the town had 
been built. It was regularly laid out. There were 
three main buildings; the first and largest being 
the one facing the west, with the Doric front. 
The next largest had its front facing the south, 
and this had Ionic columns. The third, and which 
was not noticeable from a position west of the vil- 
lage, was smaller than either, with a front of Tus- 
can architecture. 

What did these buildings mean? By whom 
were they erected, and for what purpose were they 
intended? These were questions ever uppermost 
in the minds of John and the boys. 


CHAPTEE XVII 


THE MYSTERIOUS CAVE. RETURNING TO UNITY 

^^It may be there are some sort of records or 
tablets somewhere about the buildings which will 
indicate what they were erected for; but my in- 
vestigations thus far leave me just as much in 
the dark as when I first saw them/’ remarked 
John, as they were examining the structures. 

wonder if they have corner stones'? Some- 
times they put records there,” observed Harry. 

made an examination in that direction also, 
but the character of the underpinning is the same 
all around, and the comers have no distinguishing 
stones.” 

^ Jt must be a very old custom to have corner- 
stones for buildings.” 

‘‘It was a custom to have cornerstones, or me- 
morial stones, in all buildings in ancient times. 
They were well known in the time of Job, and 
buildings thousands of years prior to his day con- 
tained them. It is not known from what the cus- 
tom arose.” 

“Didn’t you say that the treasure charts showed 
the existence of caves to the southeast of the cave 
we found at the Tuolos’ village?” 

“Yes, and that is something that we shall have 
to investigate to-morrow. To-day the patients 
still need our care, but they will be well enough 
to enable us to be absent to-morrow.” 

211 


212 


THE CONQUEST 

think we ought to make sketches of the plan 
of this town. I have a presentiment that we shall 
know something more about this place in the fu- 
ture,” said George. 



all means have it prepared during the day. 
Later on I may be able to give a pretty good 
guess what all this means.” And the boys looked 
at each other significantly. 

If the chiefs, or any of the lower order, knew 
anything about the origin of the town, they did 
not make it apparent. 

‘‘Do you notice one singular thing about this 
town and the people in itf^ asked John. 

Neither of the boys could guess. 


THE MYSTEEIOUS CAVE 213 

“Where are the medicine men, and those who 
perform the sacred rites at their festivals?” 

The boys again looked at each other for an an- 
swer. George replied: “I think they are at the 
caves of which the charts give some indication,” 
finally exclaimed Harry. 

“That is the case, undoubtedly. That is where 
we shall have the difficulty. The chiefs will not 
disclose their hiding places. Before going on the 
search we must question the chief.” 

In the early morning John and the boys called 
on the chief in company with Uraso. A complete 
change had come over him. Two days before he 
was sullen and moody, after the first lesson had 
been given him. Now he was different and agree- 
able. 

“Before we start for the village of the Great 
White Chief there are some questions I would 
ask vou. How many medicine men have you?” 

“Ten.” 

“Where are they?” 

“In their dark homes.” 

“Where are those homes?” 

“To the east. Sama will take you to them, but 
you cannot go in.” 

“Why not?” 

“Because you will be destroyed.” 

“How do you know?” 

* “Because they have told us so.” 

“Do you believe them?” 

“Yes.” 

“Do you sacrifice your captives because they tell 
you the Great Spirit demands it?” 

“Yes.” 


214 , THE CONQUEST 

“Then I must tell you that they lie to you.’' 
The Great Spirit does not tell them to sacrifice. 
It is not death to enter their homes.” 

“But we know that no one has ever come from 
them alive.” 

“Does the Great Spirit kill them when they go 
inr 

“Yes.” 

“Do you want to know whether they tell the 
truth?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then I will go in, and show you that the Great 
Spirit will not harm me.” 

“How shall I know that you go in?” 

“You must go with me and stand at the opening.” 

The chiefs eyes now wandered about. He was 
visibly affected at this bold declaration, and John 
saw hesitation in his demeanor. 

Without giving him time to waver, he contin- 
ued: “The great Chief Oroto must not show his 
people that he is afraid. He must show them that 
he is greater and wiser than the medicine men, 
and that the wise men who have told him those 
tales have not told the truth.” 

Turning to Uraso he said: “Prepare the wagon, 
and we will start at once.” The chief and two of 
the sub-chiefs were taken out and placed in the 
wagon. Harry, George, Uraso and Muro, with a 
picked company of twenty-five men, were selected 
to accompany them. 

The wagon was a curiosity to Oroto. He en- 
joyed the ride immensely and admired the manner 
in which Harry handled and guided the yaks. 

Their course was directed due east for a mile. 


THE MYSTERIOUS CAVE 215 

and then moved along a well-beaten path diago- 
nally np the hill in a southern direction. After 
proceding thus for a half mile farther the ground 
became rough and cut up by innumerable gullies. 

‘‘How much farther must he go!’^ 

“To the place where the great trees are.” And 
he pointed to a group of trees less than five hun- 
dred feet beyond. Progress with the team was im- 
possible, and all alighted. Leaving three of the 
warriors with the team, the others ascended the 
slight elevation, and before them was the mouth 
of the cavern. 

The opening was not more than eight feet in 
height, and not over six feet wide, with irregular 
sides. Arriving in front of it, John advanced to 
Oroto, and said : “I am about to show you that the 
Great Spirit will not injure me !” And saying so 
boldly marched in. 

He remained for a full half hour, and the chief 
became uneasy. The boys, as well as Uraso and 
Muro, affected not to be disturbed. What John 
did was this: It was evident to him that the oc- 
cupants of the cave had no knowledge of the ap- 
proach of the party. 

They knew that the White Chief and the allies 
had captured the village and the chiefs. They felt 
a certain sense of security in their home, because 
in all the tribal warfares the medicine men and the 
wise men of the tribes were regarded with fear and 
reverence. 

When John entered the cave, he went in a suf- 
ficient distance to be surrounded by total dark- 
ness. He remained concealed long enough so that 
he could become accustomed to the darkness, and 


216 


THE CONQUEST 

slowly moved toward the interior, as he felt as- 
sured the occapants^ presence would sooner or 
later he revealed by their lights. 

In this he was not mistaken, and he was sur- 
prised to find them much nearer the entrance than 
he anticipated. It would be more impressive to re- 
main for some time than to emerge at once, so he 
sat down to observe the wise men. 

There was the most oppressive silence when he 
first observed the light, but as he neared them, a 
more or less animated conversation took place. 
Much of this was understood by John, as his Imowl- 
edge of two of the dialects gave him some key to 
the words uttered. From this it was evident that 
they knew of the rescue of the captives. 

The chief had told them of ten belonging to the 
order. John could count only eight. Possibly 
two were in some other part of the cavern, and 
he moved along at the opposite side of the large 
chamber to discover what was beyond. 

Brushing along the wall, a hanging stalactite 
was dislodged, and it fell. The noise did not give 
even a momentary start to the company. John 
was surprised. He stopped and reflected, and the 
reason soon became plain. They supposed that it 
was caused by the absent ones returning. 

But John waited and the two did not return, 
and they began to glance about. At this time he 
was on the opposite side of the chamber, so that 
the medicine men were between him and the mouth 
of the cave. 

A half dozen of them had arisen, and John 
stepped forward with his gun in position. In a 
stentorian voice John shouted: 


THE MYSTEEIOUS CAVE 217 

‘T am the Great White Chief. Go to the door 
of the cave. If any refuse he will die. Go 

It might be stated that before leaving for the 
cave Uraso had fully instructed John how to use 
the above phrases. His sudden apparition on the 
side opposite the mouth of the cave was most star- 
tling to them. Not a word was uttered by either. 

^^Go!” again shouted John. They seemed to be 
paralyzed. By a common impulse they moved to- 
ward the entrance, and as they marched out and 
saw the party there waiting to receive them, to- 
gether with their own chief, the consternation was 
most marked on the faces of all. 

Addressing the chief, tlohn said : ^‘Here are your 
wise men. The Great Spirit is not there. They 
have lied to you.” 

It was now apparent from the actions of the 
chief why he was considered such a power and a 
terror to his o^vn people and to the tribes. He 
was every incli a chief. He strode forward, and 
would have crashed them with his own hands, but 
John interposed. 

‘AVe shall take care of them. They will never 
again lie to the great chief Oroto.” And so say- 
ing they were ordered bound, and Uraso instruct- 
ed to take them to the village and carefully guard 
them. 

“You may take the wagon with you, Uraso. as 
the boys and I want to attend to some matters on 
our own account, and we shall soon follow you.’^ 

When the cavalcade passed from their sight, 
John said : “I suppose we shall now have an op- 
portunity to examine the place. Have you any 
candles 


218 


THE CONQUEST 

Harry had not forgotten them, and the boys 
smiled as John also drew forth several, and thus 
they entered the cave. John marched direct to 
the place where the wise men had their quarters, 
and their lamps were still burning. 

^‘By the way, we came in too soon. Two of them 
are outside, or are somewhere in the cave. We 
want them as well as the others. If they find us 
here, they will be likely to get away. But we 
are here now, and we must find out what we can, 
and as quickly as possible.” The lights at the hab- 
itable part of the cave were left burning and the 
three plunged into the passageway which led to the 
east. 

^‘This is the cave noted in the chart. How for- 
tunate it is. You will note that this, like the other 
cave, has also a cross-shaped formation, and the 
treasure should be at the south branch.” 

^‘Here it is,” whispered George. 

‘‘What, the treasure?” was Harry’s eager ques- 
tion. 

“No ; the south branch.” 

“You are undoubtedly right. There is no other 
opening.” 

This branch was followed less than a hundred 
feet, when a solid white wall appeared in front, 
and it was readily seen that the channel terminated 
in the chamber. 

The floor of this chamber was one mass of un- 
even projections, entirely unlike the other parts 
of the cave, and what was more singular still, it 
was fully six feet higher than the floors of the 
other portions, but it was absolutely devoid of 


THE MYSTEEIOUS CAVE 219 

any treasure, or anything which conld contain such 
a hoard as the chart seemed to indicate. 

‘Tt is just as well,” said John, resignedly. 
suppose we have enough for our purposes.” 

While crawling down the rough portion which 
formed the elevated floor of the chamber Harry 
slipped, and broke off a portion of the stalagmite 
overlaying the side. It was dark beneath. 



‘^This is not calcareous matter,” exclaimed 
John. 

^ AVhat is it 1” asked both in a breath. 

The lights were concentrated on a sample, and 
as John raised his head he looked at the boys, 
and slowly uttered one word: 

‘‘Copper !” 

The boys did not at first grasp the true signifi- 
cance of the word. It was marvelous to them that 
copper should be found there, but John thought 
of something else. It offered a possible explana- 
tion to the origin of the buildings. Where were 



220 THE CONQUEST 

the mines? Were they in the cave itself? This 
was not copper ore. It was a partly refined prod- 
uct. 

It was evident to John, and further verified that 
the entire chamber, which was fully sixty feet long 
and fifty feet wide, was covered with a layer of 
this copper for a height of six feet. A calculation 
of the value could be readily made. 

John and the boys made their way out and past 
the fires that were still burning, and which would 
be relighted no more. The two absent ones were 
not found. They had not returned. The reason 
was explained when the village was reached. 
They were captured by Uraso before they had left 
the cave a thousand feet. 

During the day and the succeeding night the 
patients improved each hour. Both of the invalid 
boys were able to sit up. Eogers wanted a full 
meal, but still none were allowed to indulge. John 
announced that a start for home would be made 
in the morniug. 

There was intense bustle in the village the next 
morning. The chief was informed that he and 
two of his sub-chiefs would be required to accom- 
pany them, together with one hundred of his war- 
riors. The ten wise (?) men were also to be of 
the party. 

There was mingled feeling of emotion in the 
minds of the people when they saw their great 
•chief for the ’first time in the knowledge of the 
people humbled and taken captive by a foreign 
tribe. 

It was well to leave them with that impression. 
They would soon learn otherwise, and for the first 


THE MYSTERIOUS CAVE 221 

’time begin to appreciate that the white man’s 
way is superior to their own. 

The boys and Gustave were in the wagon with 
the Chief Oroto. The others were on foot. Occa- 
sionally John would take a place and delight in the 
chatter of the boys, and sometimes would listen 
to remarks about Oroto, that would not have been 
pleasant for his ears. 

J ohn didn’t blame them a bit for it either. The 
pale, drawn faces of the two boys made them 
pitiable objects, and when he saw them he felt 
like cursing the chief who would permit such cru- 
elties to innocent boys. But he remembered that 
the chief knew no better. He lived according to 
the best that was given him. Why was he to be 
blamed? 

There was hardly a subject but was canvassed 
by the boys. The chief soon became interested, 
and he frequently asked Lolo questions. Before 
the journey ended the boys changed their opinions 
about Oroto. Perhaps the vivacity of the boys at- 
tracted him. 

But later on, through Lolo, he began to learn 
things which astounded him. Muro had told his 
son Lolo that Harry was the one who made the 
wonderful guns, and this was communicated to the 
chief. Harry was a hero to him from that time on. 
Lolo told the chief about the wonderful things 
which they were making at the new town, and 
long before they sighted the place he was inter- 
ested just like a common mortal. 

But the Saboro village was in sight. “Moro,’^ 
asked John, ‘diow long will it take to get your 
family ready?” 


222 THE CONQUEST 

shall go on with you this afternoon.” 

They were ready and waiting when the train 
came in sight. Lolo was out of the wagon and 
sprang to his mother, just like any other boy 
would do, and he told her in two minutes what 
had happened in fifteen days. An American boy 
could not have done better than that. 

Was Stufs family going, too? Certainly! The 
boys laughed merrily. One wagon was given over 
to the families, containing seven women and four- 
teen children. But the wagons were lightened of 
their heavy loads of provisions and easily accom- 
modated to emigrants. 

This was a happy party. The natives never 
knew of such an outing. It was quite a cavalcade. 
Just imagine four hundred warriors, the two wag- 
ons, the women and the children, the men chant- 
ing a peculiar song as they marched, occasionally 
interspersed with laughter, and a constant flow 
of talk about the new and wonderful place they 
were going to, of the great white chiefs, and above 
all the real and unaffected pleasure that grew out 
of the knowledge that there would be no more 
war. 

On the second day after leaving the Saboro vil- 
lage, Unity came in sight. George crawled to the 
top of the wagon, and, raising his hat and waving 
it, began to cheer. Every warrior did likewise 
when he saw the signal. It was a bedlam for a 
few moments. The Iliyas chief saw it and smiled. 

Unity heard the cheers. There was no more 
work that day. The men in the fields came in. 
Those in the workshops deserted their posts, and 


THE MYSTERIOUS CxiVE 223 

lined np along the newly made sidewalks that had 
been carefully arranged several days before. 

The women were ont in force, and the children 
in evidence everywhere. The two wagons were in 
advance, Harry being in the lead. Not a man left 
the town to rush out and greet them. The Profes- 
sor suggested that a more fitting welcome could 
be given by forming lines to receive the warriors 
as they filed by. 

The wagon was now within five hundred feet of 
the end of the receiving line of the villagers. 
Angel, the orang-outan, was in the line also. The 
sight of the wagons was too much for him. He 
scampered along the street in that peculiar shuf- 
fling gait that all the villagers knew, and started 
for the wagon. 

He was the only one in the town who disobeyed 
the orders of the Professor. He knew that George 
was in the wagon. He passed the first one, driven 
by Harry, but he was up in the top of the second 
in an instant, and he made his way to George’s 
side, and looked up in his face. George put his 
arm around him, as he was accustomed to do, and 
this was sufficient for him. 

The children screamed in delight, but Angel 
didn’t mind, because he saw that George didn’t. 
When George put his arm around Lolo’s little 
baby sister, Angel looked at George, reproach- 
fully, at first, but when George laughed Angel 
emitted his well-known chuckle, which always in- 
dicated delight, and he knew that all jealousy had 
vanished. 


CHAPTER XVIII 

BUILDING A SHIP TO TAKE THEM HOME 

Geeat was the surprise of Oroto to find that 
Marmo, chief of the Tuolos, and Tastoa, chief 
of the Kurabus, were in the town. Greater still 
was the marvel to know that they were entirely 
free to go and come, and when Uraso announced 
to him that there were no restrictions on his lib- 
erty, he wondered why he had been brought from 
his village. 

This proceeding was most unusual. During the 
preceding day, when they marched into the town, 
he had been kept in one of the buildings under 
guard, and had not seen the Professor, as the 
latter first desired to confer with John, and learn 
all about the facts about the chief and his actions. 

Oroto was most anxious to see the Great White 
Chief, and when Uraso announced to him that he 
was prepared to receive him, he was eager to 
go. John thought it would be much better for 
them to meet alone, because it was desired to 
avoid all cause for jealousy among the ditferent 
chiefs, and it would, probably, be disagreeable to 
have them present. All must be present, or none. 

Uraso conducted him to the door of the Profes- 
sor’s apartment, and left him. As he entered, the 
Professor came forward, and grasped his hand 
and put his arm around him, and in that manner 
conducted him to a seat. 

The chief looked at him, and saw the strong, 
224 


BUILDING A SHIP 


225 


handsome face and the white beard and hair. 
He appeared to be awed by the sight, as he was 
affected by the kind reception. He was far from 
assuming the defiant attitude with which he met 
John. 

“I welcome you,” said the Professor. ^^I know 
we can be friends.” 

The chief was overcome by the greeting words. 
It was plain that he had prepared for an entirely 
different kind of meeting. He did not answer^ 
but sat there with eyes riveted on the Professor, 
and the latter continued: 

‘T hope my warriors have treated you right, 
and that they have not injured any of your peo- 
ple.” 

When Oroto had recovered from his surprise 
he responded: 

‘‘Why do you call me your friend!” 

The Professor smiled, and he answered: “Are 
you my enemy!” 

This was a question which was imexpected. 
What manner of man was this! The Professor 
saw the struggle in the chief^s mind, as he tried 
to frame a reply. 

“I was your enemy; but I do not see why I 
should be. I was told that you were a terrible 
chief.” 

“Who told you so!” 

“The wise men.” 

“Do you believe them!” 

“No; I shall kill them, because they have lied 
to me and my people.” 

“Why do you wish to kill them! Will that do 
you or your people any good!” 


226 THE CONQUEST 

“Then what can I do with people who deceive 
usV’ 

“Teach them to understand and know that it is 
better to tell the truth than to lie. When you do 
that you are also teaching the people what is 
right. If you kill them you are teaching people 
revenge, and revenge will not help them.’^ 

“You are telling me something new and strange. 
My people would not understand that. They 
would think I feared to punish.” 

“The white man does not think go. He be- 
lieves that each man is entitled to his life. If he 
does wrong, he may be deprived of his liberty, 
and made to labor for others, and pleasures kept 
from him, but that his life should not be taken 
from him, unless he has committed the greatest 
crime against the people.” 

“What is the greatest crime?” 

“The killing of another.” 

“I am in your power. What do you want me to 
do ? What Avill you do with me ? I did not know 
you taught such things.” 

“You are in my village; but you are free to go 
where you will. My chief did not bring you here 
to humiliate you, or to punish you. I told him to 
bring you here so you might know how the white 
men live, and how they try to make the people 
happy. You can see these things for yourself. 
Then you can understand.” 

“I am told that you have people here from all 
the tribes, and that they live together in peace 
and in contentment.” 

“Yes ; and why not ? Because one man was born 
and lives in one place, is that any reason why he 


BUILDING A SHIP 227 

should be the enemy of one who lives somewhere 
else!^’ 

^‘But how can we prevent them from fighting 
each other 

^Uet all the chiefs agree to do what is right 
to each other, and to their people ; and treat each 
man the same, whether he belongs to your tribe 
or to some other. Do not seek revenge, but ius- 
tice.’^ 

shall forever be the White Chief’s friend.” 

‘^But you must be not only my friend, but the 
friend of all the chiefs. They have agreed to 
live together in peace. We will find work for all 
your people to do, so they can become happy and 
strong, and I want you to go with me to see the 
things we are doing to help the people. Before 
we do so you must talk to the chiefs who have 
been here and who know what we are trying to 
bring about.” 

Oroto sought out Marmo at once. He was the 
nearest in kin to the Iliyas, and the Professor 
noted this action on his part with the greatest sat- 
isfaction. Soon Tastoa, of the Kurabus, was 
brought in, and no restraint was placed on any of 
these conferences. 

When all the whites met that night you may be 
sure that there was a jollification that knew no 
bounds. TVhat a wonderful thing had been accom- 
plished. All grasped the Professor’s hand, and 
many tears were shed in the joy of the meeting. 
Six boys and three men had been rescued from the 
jaws of death by the Professor and the two boys. 

In less than two years they had transformed an 
island of savage races into some semblance of or- 


228 THE CONQUEST 

derly life, and inspired the people with a new 
impulse. It was the first time the chiefs of the 
island had ever met together. Within a week all 
were on friendly terms with each other. 

At the conference that evening the Professor 
remarked: ‘We have now put in nearly two years 
of hard work, and accomplished the most wonder- 
ful results. The boys want to go home, and it is 
right that they should. Owing to the peculiar con- 
ditions existing here, we have not been in a posi- 
tion where we could take any organized steps 
to go home. As long as any of our friends were 
in captivity it was our duty to remain.” 

“The situation is different now. We have really 
started a little empire here. This is the ‘Empire’ 
that Harry spoke about when we landed here. 
He little knew how prophetic that was. We now 
have the men, the material, the energy, and the 
ingenuity to make anything that is made anywhere 
in the world.” 

“We must build a ship — ” 

But the Professor could go no further. The 
boys were wild with excitement at the news, as 
they gathered about him. 

“But I am coming back again,” cried one after 
the other. 

“But I am not going away,” added the Profes- 
sor, “because I am afraid I should never be able 
to come back again.” 

There was a tone of sadness as he said this, 
and it touched all the boys. It was hard to tell 
whether this was an occasion for joy or sorrow. 

All knew what the Professor and John and 


229 


BUILDING A SHIP 

Blakely felt, and that it would become their great 
field for future work. 

Here was also a field for the energies of the 
boys, whose abilities could be directed into useful 
channels. Commercially the island was of im- 
mense value, if properly used. So long as Jolm 
and the Professor were there no wrong specula- 
tive efforts would dare to be attempted by un- 
scrupulous adventurers. 

John, together with Harry, Tom and Jim, who 
were the engineering force of the island, soon be- 
gan the work of preparing the material for the 
ship which would place them in communication 
with the great world. 

The three new boys were initiated into the craft- 
hood which was ever widening and gaining new 
recruits. The natives showed remarkable apti- 
tude for the various branches of work. But the 
Professor and Blakely had other ideas than to 
train too many of them to labor in the mechanical 
lines. 

Here was a land, rich in soil, capable of growing 
any crop, or adapted to give up its bounty in the 
form of many valuable kinds of produce. Eubber, 
coffee, spices, cocoanuts, the finest fibers, in 
variety, and all of them now growing wild. 

This land must be occupied and tilled by a peo- 
ple adapted to the soil and climate. The princi- 
ples of agriculture must be instilled, "^^at a 
wonderful work to contemplate ! 

The schoolhouse was ready, but there were no 
books. Eobert had taken the preliminary lessons 
as an artist, and was very handy with the brush 
and pencil. Entirely on his own initiative, he 


230 THE CONQUEST 

prepared a set of letters, containing the caps of 
the alphabet, and these were cut out by him, and 
the work so delighted the Professor that he in- 
structed the boys how to east the whole series 
at one time, so that a good stock of type was finally 
turned out. 

‘T have an idea,” said Eobert, ‘That it would be 
a good thing to put some pictures in the primer; 
just enough to make it look attractive.” 

“That would be fun,” answered Min. “Don’t 
say anything to the Professor about it.” 

The latter had already arranged a simple press, 
but when the latter was nearing completion, Eoy 
burst out laughing, as he remarked: “Type is a 
good thing, and so is a printing press, but I am 
interested in knowing where we are going to get 
the paper.” 

“Paper ?” exclaimed George ; “lots of it growing 
all about here.” And he looked at the boys a 
little maliciously. “All we need to do is to go out 
and gather it.” 

“Paper growing ? Well, I have seen many things 
here, but that is something new to me.” 

“Do you know what the plantain tree is, the tree 
with the big sprawling leaves? Those leaves will 
make good sheets for printing on.” 

The Professor heard the last part of the con- 
versation, and remarked: “We might as well make 
paper, and I have already asked Harry to make 
a grinder for furnishing the pulp. We have the 
finest paper stock in the world.” 

“Yes,” exclaimed George; “the ramie.” 

“No; not that. There is a reason why hemp, 



The party plunged into the forest^ taking the direction which 
Tom and Ralph had gone on the former trip*' 


(See p. 235] 








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BUILDING A SHIP 231 

and many other fibers are better than that. Do 
you recall the peculiarity about ramie?” 

Harry remembered. It resists moisture, and 
while it makes an excellent paper would be diffi- 



J^c tperT^aAinf Machine . 


cult with their crude means to turn it out satisfac- 
torily. The grinding machine was a simple affair^ 
and the fiber was fed through again and again, 
until it was cut up into short lengths. 

The principal thing, however, in paper making 
is to get it the same thickness. ^Tt will take too 



232 


THE CONQUEST 

long to make a cylinder, which makes the paper 
even, and distribute the pulp perfectly, and in 
the absence of that I have ordered an apparatus 
which will turn out a sheet at a time.” 

The Professor then exhibited a drawing, and 
continued; ‘‘Notice the box, which is two feet 
square inside and two feet high. See this cleat 
all around the inside, six inches from the top. 
That is to hold the frame of a cloth web, which 
hts in the box exactly.” 

“At the bottom of the box is a pipe, right in 
the middle. This pipe is for the purpose of car- 
rying the water into the box. Below the box is a 
larger box, and this contains the water which has 
the pulp mixed with it, just enough of the pulp to 
make it look cloudy. 

“The water in the box is carried into the box by 
the pump. When the screen, or web, is placed in 
position, and the pump set to work, the water, car- 
rying the pulp, moves upwardly in the box, and 
the tine particles of pulp are caught by the screen 
and held there, the little fibers lying crisscross 
over each other. 

“Every- minute or so the screen with the paper 
mat on its underside must be taken out and an- 
other put in, and the matted paper on each screen 
put under a press, and the water squeezed out, 
after which it will readily peel off the screen, and 
when it is dried it makes a good blotting paper. 
To make a writing paper of it, the sheet must be 
run through a number of heavily weighted steel 
rollers, but we don’t need that for printing our 
books.” 


BUILDING A SHIP 


233 


The paper was made in that manner, and the 
Professor was delighted when he saw the illus- 
trations. Thus the first serious attempt was made 
to begin the teaching of the children, and when 
the books were ready the boys were all happy to 
undertake the work of teaching. It was here that 
the Tuolo medicine men were utilized, and it may 
be said to their credit that they found the new 
calling agreeable and pleasant. 

But there is still so much to be said about the 
town, the people, the actions of the chiefs, the 
work that was being prosecuted, the farms and 
plantations that were started, the manufactured 
articles turned out, the new houses erected every- 
where, and the intense interest exhibited by the 
people under the new order of things. 

The boys knew they had been a great factor in 
the regeneration of the island, and were proud of 
it. Lolo, and boys of like ages with our boys, were 
given special training, due to the suggestion of 
the Professor. Some were taught the theory of 
medicine, as the necessity of proper medical treat- 
ment was essential. Many received the rudimen- 
tary knowledge of carpentry and other occupations 
from John. 

The ship was the principal topic of conversa- 
tion, and to that the main energies were directed. 
The finest oak trees were cut and brought in; a 
new and larger sawmill installed; the machine 
shop was busy day and night in the making of 
two new lathes, a planer, and several drilling ma- 
chines. 

During the rush and the excitement of all these 


234 THE CONQUEST 

new enterprises, the boys could not forget their 
earlier experiences, and about the mysterious 
things which formed parts of their adventures. 

To enumerate all of them would take too much 
space, and be unnecessary, but some of them had 
an intense personal interest, and they recalled 
how the missing flag was accounted for when John 
appeared; the removal of their boat at the Falls 
of South Eiver was explained; the discovery of 
the light beyond the West Eiver really indicated 
the location of the savage village. 

But there were other things still unaccounted 
for, and the boys craved a solution to the mys- 
terious happenings. Who wrote the message 
found in the Investigators lifeboat. No. 3? Who 
took the flagstaff at Observation Hill? Who 
placed the crude oars and the strange ropes in 
their boat which was found stranded on the sea 
beach ten miles from the place where they left it? 

The boys determined to know these things, and 
they trusted to the future to be able to give the 
answers. 

Little of the time was devoted to pleasure now. 
The great forest to the west was looked on by 
the boys with longing eyes many times. They had 
heard about the experience at Blakely’s old home 
on the hill. One day Harry said: ‘^There is one 
thing lacking in the tovm.” 

‘What is it?” asked Tom. 

“The American flag.” 

“Good! We must get a fitting flag pole for 
that.” 

All the boys conspired together that night. 


BUILDING A SHIP 


235 


They would go to the great forest and bring in 
the finest pole to be found. Jack and Jill and 
Angel must go with them ; and Lolo and his best 
boy friend were invited. 

Early in the morning, without giving anyone 
an idea of their intentions, the guns and the bolos 
were loaded on the wagon, and plenty of provb 
sions, you may be assured. George and Kalph 
manned the large boat, so that the crossing of the 
river would be facilitated. The wagon still had 
the fort sections, which were taken along so that 
could be floated across. 

Within an hour the main river was reached and 
the float sections attached, so that the yaks plunged 
in and drew the wagon across, while the boat 
was drawn up on shore to await their return. 

The party plunged into the forest, taking the 
direction w^hich Kalph and Tom had gone on the 
former trip. Quantities of game were bagged, 
but there was no exciting incident. The pole was 
the main thing, after all, and when they tramped 
in every direction the selection was narrowed 
down to two fine specimens of shellbark hickory, 
and one was felled and trimmed, and after hoist- 
ing one end on the wagon, the other was put on 
the truck and the party drove into Unity in the 
afternoon. 

The inhabitants swarmed the streets at the 
novel spectacle. The Professor, John, Blakely 
and Eogers instantly divined the meaning of the 
pole. 

‘‘Where shall we put it upf’ asked Harry. 

“Eight in the center of the town/^ was the Pro- 


236 THE CONQUEST 

fessor’s response. “To-morrow is flag-raising 
day, and it shall be a holiday 
Before night the hole had been dug, and the im- 
mense pole erected. 

. When “Old Glory” went up the next day there 
was nothing lacking but the music; the hats of 
ever^-one came off as the flag slowly ascended, and 
the cheers that came from the throats of the na- 
tives could not have been more intense, nor the 
enthusiasm greater, if participated in by genuine 
Americans. 



THE END 


■ 

i 


GLOSSARY OF WORDS 


USED IN TEXT OF THIS VOLUME 

Astrologer. An interpreter of the supposed influence of the stars 
on the destinies of man. 

Accumulation. To add to; gathering little by little. A store of 


Acquiring. 

Accosted. 

Adequate. 

Alluring. 

Alternative. 

Animated. 

Apportion. 

Aptitude. 

Betokened. 

Cardinal. 

Calcareous. 

Capillary. 

Celerity, 

Climax. 

Chaparral. 

Cooperation. 

Concise. 

Cohesive. 

Comprehend. 

Compact. 

Concentrated. 

Commotion. 

Cringed. 

Deterred. 

Devoid. 

Depredations. 

Decorum. 

Demoniacs. 

things. 

To receive or gain in whatsoever manner. 

To speak to ; to address ; to approach. 

Sufficient; enough. 

That which attracts ; to have a fancy for. 

Either one or the other. 

Lively; sparkling; exhilarating. 

To divide and distribute or assign. 

Suited to the work; well adapted. 

To give a promise or evidence of. 

The main feature; the original. 

Partaking of lime. 

That capacity in liquids to cohere to material. 
Quickly; with speed. 

To bring to a conclusion. 

A dense cluster of small trees. 

Acting together; in concert. 

Short and to the point. 

To stick together; to adhere to each other. 

To understand. 

In a small space. 

To bring together. 

Not orderly ; violent agitation ; tumult. 

To bow in servility ; to wince. 

Prevented; kept from. 

To be without ; bereft. 

The act of plundering or laying waste. 

In an orderly manner. 

Influenced by demons, or possessed with bad spirit. 
237 


238 

Detained. 

Deftly. 

Diagonally. 

Dismantle. 

Discernible. 

Disinfectant. 

Diversified. 

Disclose. 

Doctrine. 

Drones. 

Effusive. 

Emboldened. 

Entrapped. 

Emotional. 

Emaciated. 

Emulated. 

Enumerated. 

Entrancing. 

Ethics. 

Evolutions. 

Factor. 

Fantastical. 

Fascination. 

Function. 

Gratified. 

Hilarity. 

Identical. 

Impulse. 

Imprecations. 

Impressed. 

Imperiously. 

Imitated. 

Initiated. 

Imposing. 

Interspersed. 

Indication. 

Instilling. 


THE CONQUEST 

Held as a captive. 

Neat and skillful in action. 

Across from corner to corner. 

To take apart; to dissever. 

To see. 

To make germ proof ; to make sanitary. 

A variety; having different qualities; many of the 
same kind. 

To show; to advise or inform. 

That which is taught or set forth for belief. 

Those which are not busy, or prone to shirk. 
Talkative. 

One who is encouraged to go forward. 

One who is caught by some design on the part of 
another. 

An excitement of the mind. 

Lean; thin from want of food. 

To copy after; to take pattern from. 

Counted. 

To put into a state of delight. 

The philosophy of morals. 

A term employed to show the manner in which soldiers 
are trained. 

One of the elements in a problem. 

Peculiarly garbed ; out of the natural manner. 

A peculiar drawing to ; pleasant attraction. 

Any specific act or power that belongs to an agent. 
Satisfied; well pleased. 

Joy; the state of being demonstratively happy. 

The same; exactly alike. 

That which is done at the moment. 

To hurl defiance ; to bring down maledictions. 

To produce an effect ; warned. 

In a haughty manner; in a way to indicate power. 

To do in the same manner. 

To bring into; to make familiar with; to install. 
Adapted to make an impression. 

To put between or among. 

To show; to give an idea of. 

To educate; to teach. 


GLOSSARY 


239 


Installed. 

Inculcate. 

Indignant. 

Instigation. 

Indefatigable. 

Innumerable. 

Indited. 

Irritablity. 

Irrepressible. 

Instrumental. 

Malediction. 

Medium. 

Muster roll. 

Maneuvered. 

Naturalist. 

Omen. 

Pendant. 

Penetrated. 

Phase. 

Projection. 

Precarious. 

Profusion. 

Presentiment. 

Prescribing. 

Precipitous. 

Restriction. 

Restoration. 

Requiting. 

Requisition. 

Regeneration. 

Reconstructed. 

Rhythmic. 

Rudimentary. 


To establish ; to put in the proper plsice. 

To teach by principle, or otherwise. 

Anger or scorn aroused by a wrong act. 

To entice another to do a thing. 

Continual act in doing a thing; not weary in work 
or play. 

A large number; many of the same kind or thing. 
To put into words or writing. 

Rubbing against; friction of part. 

Difficult to control; hard to keep down. 

The means by which a thing is done. 

A wish that harm may come; a curse. 

A means; an object that enables the carrying out of 
a design. 

The list of a set of men who have combined for an 
object. 

The arranging of forces in a certain manner. 

One versed in natural history. 

A sign; a favorable or unfavorable issue. 

Hanging; an article suspended; swinging below. 
Going into; entering a body. 

One form; a particular manner. 

To give out; a throwing, shooting or sending out. 
Rather dangerous ; not the safest. 

A quantity ; many of the same kind or quality. 
Believing or feeling beforehand. 

Setting forth; explaining in detail. 

Doing quickly; acting without considering results. 
Within certain bounds or limits. 

To bring back to its original form. 

To pay; to give just dues. 

The necessity for a thing; to call for some quality 
or article. 

To make over anew ; to better. 

To put into a better condition; or to restore to its 
original form. 

Made to correspond in sound, in a regular or de- 
termined time. 

Original, or basic. 


240 

Saturated. 

Scantling. 

Seclusion. 

Semblance. 

Simulating. 

Smelter. 

Solicitation. 

Stimulating. 

Stalagmite. 

Stalactite. 

Stipulated. 

Tactics. 

Talisman. 

Tempered. 

Tissues. 

Tournament. 

Transmitted. 

Transport. 

Typical. 

Unaffected. 

Undulating. 

Unscrupulous. 


THE CONQUEST 

To thoroughly fill a substance, as with a liquid so 
it will not hold more. 

A piece of sawn timber, used as the upright support 
of a building. 

Hidden; kept out of sight. 

The same as; likened unto. 

To copy; to imitate. 

A furnace for melting metals. 

Asking for anything; requesting, by petition or other* 
wise. 

To encourage ; to cause to act. 

An incrustation on the floor of a cave or cavern. 

The calcareous or lime hangings on the -walls and 
ceilings of a cavern. 

Set forth in some particular manner. 

The science or art of military evolutions. 

Something that produces or is capable of bringing 
about a wonderful effect. 

The quality in a metal of hardening. 

The flesh, muscles and organic materials of a body. 

A festival of ancient time; games and feats of arms. 
Sent away; forwarded to a distant place. 

Carried away by joyful news or emotions. 

A good sample; the like in kind. 

Not influenced; without emotion. 

Wavy; rolling. 

Not guided by a right course; wrongful actions. 


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